Does this annoy you? Why do people do this?

Question

Not be straightforward about what they're saying.

I'm a firm believer that either I say nothing or say what I mean. Most times I'll say nothing unless it's really important.

Why do people say things and then when you try to clarify say they didn't say it?

Or why do sometimes people say, "oh I was just joking."

Answer 1

I am famous for doing that.  It's a defense mechanism.  It's also a way of sending subliminal messages.  Your basically being a punk.  It's like you want the person to know what you said but you don't want to come right out and say it because you know that it may cause a conflict so you just say it then say its a joke because they will know that something is bothering you and know what its about and maybe they will bring it up and things will be less confrontational.

Answer 2

Ohh yes!

when they say Ohh I was just joking, the mean it.

there just too much of a puSS@ to admit it.

best of luck xx

Answer 3

I dont know!!! awesome question though! I think maybe when you clarify it, the person thinks it's offending you. just a thought.

Answer 4

Yes -- it annoys me.  I am very blunt ... it's either black or white, no gray.  My husband's family are very gray, and it annoys me to no end.  And when confronted, they always act so innocent and surprised, backpeddling as fast as they can, trying to turn the tables back around to me and questioning why I am being so defensive about something they were just "joking" about.  My response is always the same:  "Many truths are spoken in jest".

This type of behavior is called passive / aggressive.  People with this trait avoid confrontation at all costs, but try to get in their digs in a round about way.  They think they are extremely clever and cunning, but don't realize how revealing they REALLY are -- it's very annoying.

Answer 5

Many a truth was said in jest. When people say "Oh, just joking," I act as though the previous comment was what they intended to say and behave accordingly.

For instance, if someone says to me "You're the scum on my shoes...just kidding!" I would respond with a firm but calm "Get out of my sight before the scum on MY shoes comes off on your face."

Answer 6

Mark Twain said it best "Better to just stand there with your mouth closed and look dumb, than to open it and prove it."

Answer 7

I ask my mother what she is doing and she says "Oh, just things".

It is weird isn't it?

Answer 8

ya its somewhat annoying

Answer 9

I hate when people hint like that! I won't respond to it.It is a way of them trying to get you to offer them something without having to ask for it.It is just cowardly.They are playing mind games wiht you and think that you don't realize it.So,needless to say..YES it annoys me!! lol.

Answer 10

Lots of people tend to speak their mind, and a lot of times, people don't realize what they've just said. It's second nature to many people to speak before thinking. So don't blame them. Yes, it can be annoying, but hey, I do that sometimes too. And I find myself thinking, "Why am I doing this? I'm annoying so and so!"