In this day in age, manners have become "less necessary," and many people haven't quite mastered the art of deciding whether statements are offensive or not. Whether this applies to you or not, here are nine things that you should never start sentences with in a real-life conversation:
1. “I’m not racist, but —”
Stop talking. You definitely are racist if you feel the need to give a disclaimer for what you’re about to say. The disclaimer won’t make a difference. I promise. There totally hasn't been racial inequality in America since the birth of this country. Many people totally haven't died for the racial equality cause.
2. “But if women really wanted to be equal, they’d —”
Women have been fighting for equality since the Women’s Suffrage Movement (and even before then). Doing one small, insignificant thing is not going to make progress for the whole gender, so don’t finish that sentence.
3. “When I was in Paris —”
Wow! Isn’t it great that you are such well-traveled person? I’m assuming that whatever you’re about to say is going to make me feel bad about not being able to afford a trip to Paris. Not all of us have the expendable income to drop everything and go on some luxury Parisian vacation.
SEE ALSO: When Life Gives You Lemons, Here Are 9 Things To Do That Are More Sour Than Making Lemonade
4. “I didn’t read it, but I heard —”
If you've only heard it, it’s probably not true. So either validate your facts, or stop talking. Not to mention that by saying that, you look totally uneducated as well. Oh and FYI, Wikipedia is not a valid source.
5. “Well, I went to Harvard, and I think —”
It's understandable that you want to flaunt your expensive degree that you probably paid six figures for, but why does it matter that you went to Harvard when giving your opinion? All you paid for was an expensive piece of paper and a college degree still won’t prevent you from sounding stupid.
6. “No offense, but —”
If you are prefacing a statement with no offense, it definitely is offensive. Reconsider your obviously offensive statement, and come up with something more original. Be creative with insults, people. The funny and more obscure ones stay with people longer.
7. “Well, that’s only what the media wants you to think.”
Wow, here’s another person who wants to invalidate your opinion. The media may try to manipulate your brain, but most people are capable of forming independent thoughts.
8. "Don't tell so-and-so, but —"
By prefacing a statement with "don't tell," not only would I be more inclined to share, but I also would wonder if you were saying similar things about me. Don't test me, sweetheart. My trust level would go from 0.2 to 0 real quick.
9. "Well, I don't mean to brag, but —"
If you don't mean to brag, then don't. Sorry, I'm not really in the mood to hear you gloat about something that won't matter in two days.
Please use your brain and realize how offensive starting your sentences with these phrases are. And for the rest of us, restore your faith in humanity and 2018 with these 18 modern day saints.
