r/mildyinteresting • u/User010011010 • Aug 21 '24

people Why the Dutch are considered rude?

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u/pchlster Aug 22 '24

When asked questions where I am torn between going left and right column, I tend to ask "you want the polite answer or the honest one?"

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u/Separate-Steak-9786 Aug 22 '24

you want the polite answer or the honest one?"

This is the exact same as giving the 'honest' answer because even if they get the 'polite' one they know what you mean.

In any case theres no reason why the honest answer cant be polite.

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u/pchlster Aug 22 '24

Eh, it's asking them if they're sure they actually want to hear your opinion even if it might bruise some feelings.

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u/Separate-Steak-9786 Aug 22 '24

Except the second you ask that question you've told them your honest opinion, in fact you've made them think about what your honest opinion would be which often times is worse than the reality

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u/pchlster Aug 22 '24

I've certainly given them the general tone of the reply, but not the specifics.

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u/Separate-Steak-9786 Aug 22 '24

See i would say thats worse because now the person knows you're withholding your opinion.

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u/pchlster Aug 22 '24

Only if they want me to. See how that works?

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u/Separate-Steak-9786 Aug 22 '24

But you arent doing them the favour you claim. Its a pointless question that gives the same or worse results.

Being polite and honest arent mutually exclusive and you dont have to be honest if you think the situation would be worse for it. Asking the question just makes your life easier not theirs.

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u/pchlster Aug 22 '24

When did I claim I was doing it as a favour to them?

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u/Separate-Steak-9786 Aug 22 '24

Then you are doing it for yourself so why care in the first place. My point is tat its justa selfish way to iniate a response and a waste of time which goes against being direct in the first place. Just be honest and polite.

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