[Mikeb85]

> Walk a mile in their shoes and maybe you'll understand why some people get offended at things you don't get offended at.

I've walked quite a few miles in various circumstances. I married an immigrant who is dark skinned and Muslim. I'm Christian (albeit nominally). I myself grew up in a culture that's a bit different than WASP culture.

> Is there anything that causes you to react with anger, sadness, fear, or any other such emotion?

Not really, certainly nothing people say. I worked as a waiter for all my university years in fine dining - took plenty of abuse. Mostly from rich white people (keeping in mind I'm also white).

I see people as people, not as categories. Treating people differently than 'normal' is offensive, treating someone with kid gloves is offensive.

As far as words go, the only words that are offensive are those meant to offend. And well wishes aren't meant to offend.

[yequalsx]

It's not true that the only offensive words are those meant to offend. Language can evoke emotions. Sometimes inadvertently a phrase or form of speech can cause visceral reactions in the recipient. I have a hard time believing that there is nothing that a person can say that could cause anger, hurt, pain in you. I don't know you so I'll take your word for it.

[Mikeb85]

You're right. Cultural misunderstandings are a thing. That's why I like to have conversations. Context means a lot. "Fuck off" is often offensive, but not always, depending on tone and context where I live.

Of course someone can say something to hurt me. But only if I know they want to hurt me. It's that knowledge which hurts, which can be conveyed by words, or other means. If someone says something offensive, but maybe the context is ambiguous or something, I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and assume maybe it was misspoken.

I find life is nicer when you assume the best, not the worst.

[yequalsx]

I try to live by assuming the best in the other person. I don't succeed in this as often as I want. Especially when driving.

I wish more people thought the same way you do.