I was talking with someone today and realized I did something I do quite often that might be a trait that gets me into trouble: I boldly state my preference for (or against) something.
In this case, it was being tired of classic rock from a lifetime of overexposure. I think I offended the person, but saved it by clarifying that I’m mostly tired that there is a play list of seemingly 100-songs that have been in continual rotation for 50 years.
Anyway, it occurs to me that I’m just stating my preferences and I personally thing that’s fine and normal, but that people get personally offended if you don’t like what they like; which makes no sense to me. It’s like if you don’t like bland food, I’m not going to get offended because I can’t handle anything hotter than black pepper. It doesn’t ultimately mean anything significant.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions?
I say “not my cup of tea”. States I dont like it, doesnt say that the thing they like is bad
This is the best way. The euphemism also seems to soften the blow somewhat vs. “I don’t like X”.
When I was a kid/teen I realized that if I told my mom I did not like food she cooked she got defensive and mad at me. But if I said I did not appreciate it she would let me have less of it, or let me prepare something for myself instead.