“Whatever That Means”:

Noncommittal answers. Do you ever notice that when someone is trying to tell you what they think you want to hear, but qualify the statement with something like “whatever that is supposed to mean” or “take that for what its worth?” Does anyone really want to tell the truth any more?

Are we so caught up in how we want people to think of us that we give qualified pat answers when genuine advice is sought? Now understand what I am saying for a moment. It is necessary to have tact in confrontation. For example: if your wife or fiancé or girlfriend asked if a dress/shirt/skirt/pair of pants or any combination of the above made them look fat a proper response is NOT “no honey, but your face/thighs/etc. do/does.”

What I believe is called for is tactful honesty and the willingness of the asker to actually listen to the advice given. When an honest question is asked, one has a right to an honest answer... if they are willing to hear it.

When I ask someone a question, I may not want to hear the answer or advice, but I asked the question. Like it or lump it, I want honesty so that I know I’m not doing something stupid.... whatever that means.