What Offends You?

Updated on May 06, 2011
H.D. asks from Allen, TX
46 answers

I'm just curious what offends you? Some people are thicker skinned than others while some are overly emotional about almost everything. What is it that you just can't deal with and how do you handle those situations that set your "I'm officially offended" radar off?

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N.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

A bartendar, waitress, whomever who does NOT ask for my I.D. when I get wine, offends me....because even at 40 yrs old, I CLEARLY still look like I'm 21!!! =-)

I hope I didn't offend anyone by given a not so serious answer ;-)

15 moms found this helpful
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N.S.

answers from Austin on

I am offended when anyone, of any race, religion, sexual orientation, belief system, lifestyle...whatever is pushy about their personal way of life. I am a pretty open minded person, but I don't like anything pushed on me.

I'm offended by people who treat their animals and children with disregard or cruelty. It's inexcusable.

I'm offended by people who are unwilling to know the whole story or the real person behind the stereotype or persona before they make their judgment.

11 moms found this helpful

L.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Top one today are those in this country who have been claiming for 3 years that the President wasn't born in America. Shut it already.

8 moms found this helpful

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T.K.

answers from Dallas on

I get offended when people bend the Constitution of The United States to thier will to justify bad beahavior or illegal action or disregard it all together. The Constituion is sacred to me.

I get offended when people do the same with the Bible or religion in general. I cant stand when people use religion or religious texts to justify bad behavior, especially when it is starkly in contrast to the values of the Bible or religion they are usurping.

I get offended when people insinuate I am unpatriotic for opposing an unecessary war. Don't insinuate I don't support our Troops because I want to be very sure it's necessary before we put them in harms way.

It also really pisses me off when people watch the talking heads opinion guys on cable networks and parrot every ridiculous thing they say. Usually starts with "Did you hear what they're gonna do now?" Idiots! Take the time to look it up for your self and verify the facts before you forward the email or repeat what you heard. If something is that outrageous there's probably more to it. ex: Did you hear what they're gonna do next? They're outlawing your fireplace. You wont be able to burn wood in your own house." No joke, seriously, someone said that to me.

I get offended when The President of the United States of America is referred to as anything other than President Obama. Nails on a chalkboard when people refer to him as just Obama. He earned that title.

18 moms found this helpful

T.N.

answers from Albany on

The older I get, the fewer things offend me.

I choose peace!

:)

10 moms found this helpful

L.U.

answers from Seattle on

Fat jokes/comments offend me
Blatant racist jokes/comment offend me
Obviously I would be upset if someone said something about my kids...but I don't think I would be offended...I'd be pissed!
L.

7 moms found this helpful

J.C.

answers from Columbus on

I get bristley when I hear foul language in a public place when my children are nearby. I don't have a problem with it for myself but I take acception when they see my children and choose that language anyway. Have some self respect, people!
That and any form of racism. Grr.

6 moms found this helpful

K.I.

answers from Los Angeles on

People who litter!

I hate it! I am the person who stops and picks up trash when it is in my path and I am the person who will make a comment to you if I see you litter!

~Just last week some kids were riding their bikes in the parking lot I was in, they rode right by me and dropped their GLASS bottles right on the ground! I rolled down my window and said 'SO NOT COOL'! Just so they (might...hopefully) think twice next time...

4 moms found this helpful
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R.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

anyone who talks down to me or my kids.
Racism in any form.
Cell phone people- Why are you on your phone in the check out lane- really this argument with your sister can wait.

4 moms found this helpful

A.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Oooh, thanks for asking this! Hopefully just typing my answer out will get it off my chest!

1- People referencing my weight issues. I have a couple of friends who just are not sensitive and will make comments that really sting. One was taking a "pole dancing" class and said it was lame because it was "mostly overweight women who wanted to put the spark back in their marriage". Wow, I found that to be so incredibly rude. Another friend said something today like "no offense, but where you and your husband have had weight issues, I think it's really good that you are trying to limit the sugar you give your kids". Ok, how 'bout taking the first half of that sentence off please! I don't know if I am being oversensitive but it really reinforces that others view me as overweight, and that hurts. I work really hard to maintain my weight. I am hard enough on myself as it is.
2-People (and it is mostly family) pushing religion on me and on my kids. I hate it when a family member corners us and starts lecturing. Pretty much every holiday a family member will order everyone to gather together and then they will turn on a religious show or read scripture or a church talk, and there is no way you can get out of it unless you are willing to make a scene. Sometimes they will even hand-pick scriptures or talks that they feel pertain to us directly and hand them to us. They are well-aware that we are not religious at all. It feels really under-handed. But again I think maybe I am already a bit defensive on that topic so that is why I get so offended.

4 moms found this helpful

N.G.

answers from Dallas on

I definitely do not have a thick skin. I'm pretty transparent either way. I share my feelings/thoughts openly and I am easily offended.

I get offended most when my intelligence is insulted or I am lied to.

Or if you talk negatively about my kids. Mess with Momma bull, you get the HORNS!

4 moms found this helpful

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

The only person who really offends me in my MIL. She says really inappropriate things. For example to my husband, "You have a nice little family. Two great boys and a faithful wife--She is faithful isn't she?" Of course this offends my husband, also.
There are others who hurt my feelings, but I consider that something entirely different.

4 moms found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

When a Sibling of mine, who does NOT have any children himself, tells "ME" how to raise my kids and how I don't know how.
UGH!

4 moms found this helpful

A.J.

answers from Williamsport on

I hate conversations with people who cannot listen. Like, cannot keep their eyes from going around the room or glazing over and saying "uh huh" in an "I'm obviously cutting you off and not listening" way as soon as you try to say one sentence after nodding your head and listening to a long story of theirs. It ALWAYS BUGS me and it's so common. I'm sensitive to it, because I always make a point to listen, acknowledge, I often refrain from returning a story even if I think of one just so they can "have the last say", and I don't hog conversations. If I DO tell a BRIEF and pertinent story, I always ask about them afterwords to make sure the conversation shifts.

So it IRKS ME to be trapped with people who "deliver monologues" -regardless of if you may or may not be interested in the topic- instead of have exchanges. I was raised to believe it's rude to do that, you only "learn by listening", you "need to let other people talk", etc. Everyone knows "the one talking the most, knows the least" but sometimes I feel like NO ONE else lives by that code! I have in laws like this, acquaintances like this, chatty neighbors like this, some neighborhood characters like this, a close friend's wife is like this and I avoid her. It's boggling that they really don't notice you've never said a word in a single conversation! Even pulling the, "OK, if you're going to interrupt me I'll just not finish my story card" doesn't work-because they don't notice you're not finishing! :-0

I also don't like it when my spouse makes plans with other people and then surprises me with them at the last minute because he knows I wouldn't have gone a long with it rather than making plans with me as a team. He'll never catch on. I gave up.

And I hate to be told to do things I already said I was going to do and have taken action to start.

And I HATE when people think it's fine for them to use profanity in front of my kids. And if I got into in-law stuff the list would be looooooooooooooooong. eek. I'm kind of uptight!

3 moms found this helpful

L.P.

answers from Tyler on

What a great topic for us to just vent!

I get offended when people just block the dang aisle of the supermarket and you have to stand there and wait for them to notice that you are trying to be polite and then move their cart without even the obligatory "I'm sorry..hahaha"!! I am a even tempered and patient person, but I know when someone has walked toward me in the store, GIVE ME A BREAK! I am especially obliging when they are elderly, to the point of frequent reaching and helping, so excuse me when I am in a hurry and you and your cart are parked where three carts should fit and I'm asking you to let me get around...UGGHHH!

3 moms found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Intolerance.
Racism.
Closed mindedness.
People that talk before they think.
People that don't "get it" at all.
People that think because they have a big house/SUV/other *status* symbols they are better than everyone else.
People that don't work hard and apply themselves.

3 moms found this helpful

R.D.

answers from Richmond on

It takes a LOT to offend me, but the numero uno thing on my list is insulting my family. If it's coming from a friend who's trying to help, that's one thing, but if someone flat out said 'Your dad's kind of a a-hole, or your brother seems a little queer' it's like blinding, black out rage for me.

3 moms found this helpful

J.G.

answers from St. Louis on

I tend to deal with anything that bothers me straight off so nothing really gets to the level of offending me.

Yeah most things amuse me more than anything.

3 moms found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Jacksonville on

When someone tells me how to raise my child. I heard an awesome saying once, Unsolicitated advice is impled criticism.

3 moms found this helpful

T.L.

answers from St. Louis on

I am offended by people who don't like me and don't even know me. I really am a level headed person who wants what is best for everyone.

I am offended by people who take cheap shots at my or my hubby's family members.

Otherwise I really don't get offended that much.

3 moms found this helpful

C.S.

answers from Redding on

I think I would have to say, "when people assume they know your whole story and have the exact right answer for you, without actually letting you finish the whole situation." I get offended when people just don't want to listen to the entire issue. They hear the first part and think, oh that happened to me and it was exactly the same. Nothing is exactly the same for everyone.

3 moms found this helpful

C.C.

answers from Sacramento on

When people assume that their religious beliefs should be held by everyone, and then attempt to enact rules/laws to force me to submit to their religious views. (And then, invariably, these same people want to talk about how the government should get out of our lives...) It drives me NUTS.

Other than that, I can't say that too much really offends me.

3 moms found this helpful
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A..

answers from Kansas City on

Nothing really offends me. Sure I get a little irked now and then, but never offended. Being offended in my opinion is for people who think they are superior and their opinion is the only one that matters.

I didn't read every answer on here, but some of the ones I've read, it seems some people are confusing being offended with actually being irritated or disliking something. Now that is annoying, but to think some of these things are offensive?! Please people!!!

2 moms found this helpful
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S.T.

answers from New York on

I'm offended by people who use tolerance to hate on Christians. Tolerance is just that - being tolerant of all - not being approving of all. I may not agree with your beliefs but I will defend your right to hold them, discuss and defend them in public. Allow me to do that same. If you think it's OK to have a GLT club at our public school then allow our kids to also have a Christian group at our public school.

I'm also offended by people who think that because I think abortion is wrong or homosexuality is wrong that I hate people who disagree. I'm not homophobic, I've had friends over the years who are openly gay (a male friend and his partner were guests at my wedding, my tenant for many many years was gay). Just because I don't agree with your lifestyle does not mean I hate you. I love you I just don't agree with you.

I'm offended when people hate on me becuase I've got conservative political views. I would never think of attacking you because you are very liberal. I probably disagree with you on many, many things but I still think that we were created by the same loving God and since he views you as precious and valuable so do I. Please don't attack me because I'm conservative. Heck half of my 5 siblings and their spouses are very liberal. It's too bad we can't have a reasonable exchange of ideas but one group of siblins generally resorts to insulting the others. Bummer.

In generaly though while a lot of things may bug me as I go through my day, most are not related to the big stuff of life - so who cares. Don't sweat the small stuff - and it's mostly small stuff. ;o)

2 moms found this helpful

J.B.

answers from Houston on

Well I have a few pet peeves like inconsiderate driving for example. I think the only thing that actually offends me is when I am accused of something I didn't do. Had a friend do this to me recently, and I just went off, because she didn't believe me when I told her I didn't to it. Really kind of surprised me when I got so majorly ticked because not much gets me good and mad. Oh, another thing is when people don't do what they say they are going to do. Like I just don't take it. When I was a teenager my mom had surgery and paid for a private room, the hospital informed me they did not have any private rooms so I informed them they could provide me with a refund or find a room because I was not having my mom in a room with others when she had paid for privacy. I think that's about it...of course if you asked my husband he could probably give you more examples! :D

2 moms found this helpful

E.B.

answers from Seattle on

When I feel my kids are being attacked. Or if the tone is harsh. You can give an objective opinion without being mean. It is all in tone.

It is a ''situation'' based thing for me. there is not one thing that will set me off. I feel attack alot with my parenting style. It is of the beaten path so to speak. Alot of people would look at me and just say ok....whatever. some feel they need to step in and tell me what I am doing wrong. Or even right(which i dont find offensive). For those who like to give me a ''you should do this''(without me asking)..I just tell them I have been parenting for a long time now and although I may not be perfect, I have not hurt any of them yet. So that tells me I am doing something right.

If someone has offended me on here it is usually due to tone. So I think that is my biggest thing.

2 moms found this helpful

B.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

People who don't understand how much work being a SAHM is, can offend me. (Those are always the people who have no kids of course!) I have 3 kids: 5, 2, and 7 weeks. None in school yet. YOU try it for a day. And also family members (cousins not immediate) who make comments that my husband is my "Sugar Daddy" because he's 10 years older than me and I'm a SAHM. He may be older age wise, BUT I got at least 5 years on him maturity wise! ;)

2 moms found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

I know, it's odd but LITTERING offends me!

The N word, the C word and the R word offend me.

People who milk the system offend me (if you get free money for college from the government, it is for COLLEGE not for you to pocket or take a trip to Jamaica, if you get knocked up and live with your fiance but refuse to get married until after you're done with school so you can continue to get welfare and assistance despite the fact that you aren't contributing a damn dollar to the household because your fiance takes care of it).

People who habitually lie to 'protect' their kid or cover up for their kid offend me.

2 moms found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i really hate being talked at. conversation should be participatory.
i hate the current state of polarized politics, but not sure that 'offend' is quite the right word.
khairete
S.

2 moms found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

Well, if we're being perfectly honest...a lot offends me! I hold people in general to a fairly high standard and when it's not met, I can get upset. I try to be rational, but I think I might be one of those overly emotional types to refer to! LOL! Anyway, my top things are when people put a leash on their child or physically discipline them in any way, especially in public, and when people try and push their beliefs onto you.

I have also worked a lot of retail jobs and worked in education for many years so I get upset when I don't get good customer service, that offends me too. I get that everyone has crappy days and all that, but sometimes people can be just plain rude...which applies to the flip side too...I don't like to see other people take advantage of situations or be rude to people who work in service jobs. It really irks me when people litter or leave their trash at their seats after a movie or at McDonald's.

I could go on and on...I told you I'm emotional!! Usually time is the only things that heals my wounds...or reporting someone to their superior! Haha!

2 moms found this helpful
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A.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Lately it has been people who "preach it" but don't even attempt to "practice it".

2 moms found this helpful
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M..

answers from Youngstown on

Liars. I can't stand liars. And anyone who crosses my child. I have some serious claws on me when It comes to my child. My "mama bear"" comes out.

How do I deal with it? I walk away from the person who pissed me off. By that, I mean I cut them out of my life.

2 moms found this helpful
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P.O.

answers from Harrisburg on

When someone gossips behind my back over foolishness. If you are going to waste your time gossiping, make it something worth while - like "I heard she found a new job" but please don't go talking just because you happen to see a booger in my nose - jees, is it that important or could you not just tell me to fix it...you get the point, stuff like that bugs me how people have so much time on their hands to talk about every little incident...

2 moms found this helpful

A.G.

answers from Houston on

almost NOTHING.

I like intentions, if the intentions are innocent then i can look past the act. Well maybe 1 or 2 things I hate it when i get hit on, or honked and hollered at in front of my kids. I also hate people assuming they can just cancel plans with me, or drop obligations on me last minute because i am a s.a.h.m.

but mostly when people jump the fence to the side of rude i really have a big empathetic pause to see if i might understand and possibly even feel their intentions.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.R.

answers from San Diego on

I love this questions & all the answers!

At the certain time of the month, everyone and everything offends me. This is when I need to give myself a time-out!

1 mom found this helpful

H.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

I am frequently belittled at work! It makes me want to punch them in the face! It is extremely offensive. Who raises people to act certain ways as adults. I am amazed at the gull of adult women.

Also, I am always offended by the certain words. - Retard, idiot, and the ever so awful "N" word.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'd would be very offended if someone called me stupid. I'm smart and I know it. Now, if someone were to make a comment about my being overweight, then I'd be hurt......but because it's *true* I don't think I'd be "offended".

Also, I'm just generally offended by rude people saying rude things. It's like there's no filter between their brains and mouths! As my old History teacher used to say - "Engage brain BEFORE mouth"

1 mom found this helpful
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J.J.

answers from Phoenix on

Smart phones are really starting to get on my nerves. I was at my latest book club meeting with about 10 women and 1/2 of them were on their phone on and off throughout the meeting. Just last night I was talking with my husband about something we didn't know the answer to, so instead of sontinuting the conversation he gets out his phone and starts googling. I wanted to scream!

Rude drivers, rude grocery shoppers hogging the aisle, when my mom refers to "The Mexicans".

1 mom found this helpful
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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am offended when femininity is used as an insult, such as, 'you run like a girl.'. Being the only female in this house I have had to set some ground rules about this to my husband and sons. They're all very compliant! I don't like rudeness and arrogance. I can tell the measure of a man (or woman) by the way they treat a receptionist or cashier. Good breeding can be seen in the way we treat others, not how big our house is, or our bank balance.

1 mom found this helpful
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P.B.

answers from Spartanburg on

I only get offended when someone i care about (and who is supposed to know me well) thinks something untrue about me or my conduct without verifying with me. i generally do not take in consideration other people's offense to me, as i don't really value a perfect stranger's, often mean, opinion. It's just not as important.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.T.

answers from Austin on

I get ticked off and offended when someone that has known me for a couple of years still thinks i am gonna take advantage of his wife when i have Never given him a reason to feel that way..

I get offended when the N word is used or when someone is derogatory about peoples choices of lifestyle

I get offended when people try to shove their religion down my throat just because i don't believe the same things you do doesn't mean you have to try to convert me I am not going to change just because you think i should

Last but not least i get offended when people try to tell me how to raise my kids and how to discipline them

1 mom found this helpful
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K.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

By "offend", I perceive that to mean the same as "to feel upset". I have to admit that I get offended or upset, and anything that is not in line with my own convictions. I think this is true to with most people.

The better question is "How do you respond when you are offended?". A thick skinned person can control these feelings of "upset-ness" and respond with composure. A thin skinned person will react by expressing these feelings of "upset-ness" fully.

So, although I am offended often, I remain composed and these feelings go away after only a brief reflection that the world is not about me, nor about truth, nor about rationality.

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

Wow, did you ever ask me and a lot of people one very good question. So here is my answer. What offends me? People who look away all the time when I am smiling at them as I walk by. People who answer in a rude and snotty loud tone of voice when I ask a simple question. And people who just attack verbally, for no good reason, think it's okay and THEN the worst is other people who say, 'Oh that's just how she is.' NO THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. Ah, thanks that felt good.

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N.H.

answers from Peoria on

I have a lot to be offended over but what I have to say will offend many people so I'll just keep my comments to myself b/c I don't wanna hear about it from others who say I'm wrong.

R.C.

answers from Detroit on

UGH....I did a whole blog entry on this one. I can't stand when people come up to me (if I'm with my daughter who is adopted) and say "She's so cute, do you have any of your own?"

A.H.

answers from San Francisco on

adults who throw tantrums to get their way

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