Did I Offend Him ?
By jaishankar
@Shivram59 (39173)
India
February 23, 2025 4:30pm CST
I was today talking to one of our neighbors. He cracked some,jokes that did not make me laugh heartedly. I simulated laughing; but perhaps evinced I did not enjoy his jokes.
Without saying a word he left. I called him; but he neither replied; nor came back.
I think he felt offended though I didn't at all mean to hurt him.
I'm feeling guilty.
What do you think I should do to make him normal and satisfied??.
9 people like this
8 responses
@lilacskies (6030)
• United States
23 Feb
That sounds quite petty of him to behave like that. Not everyone is going to laugh at his jokes. Just wait it out and if he keeps making a big deal out of this, then it's best to just keep a distance.
5 people like this
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
24 Feb
Ok; I didn't understand why he reacted that way. Let me,see if he,talks,to me,again. It's a petty matter. There was no reason to make,him feel offended.
2 people like this
@lilacskies (6030)
• United States
24 Feb
@Shivram59 He is petty and best to be avoided for the time being. Actually, he just showed you his true colors, that he is petty. Do you really want to hang around such a person even if he's your neighbor? It's not necessary, is it?
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
24 Feb
@lilacskies I would avoid him. But let me know what he wants. If he wants to cut all relations with me; then let it be so.
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
24 Feb
Thanks; my friend. I didn't intend to offend him. His jokes were boring. I could not laugh. I'll talk to him.
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
24 Feb
@lilacskies Thanks; my friend. If a joke can't make you laugh; what can you do?? I have decided to talk to him.I don't want to hurt anybody.
1 person likes this
@lilacskies (6030)
• United States
24 Feb
So petty, right? I will never understand such people.
4 people like this
@kareng (68672)
• United States
24 Feb
@Shivram59 Right, that is what makes it so puzzling!
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
24 Feb
@kareng I don't care. Tomorrow I'll talk to him and everything will be clear.
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
24 Feb
Thanks; my friend. I'll talk to him to see how he,reacts. Honestly speaking; I did not want to hurt or offend him. I didn't have,any such intention.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3701)
• India
24 Feb
Sounds like the situation is a bit uncomfortable and you are definitely concerned about it. Sometimes, even if we do not intend to offend someone, our reactions can still have an impact. Since he left without any response, it seems he took it personally. I would suggest reaching out to him and offering a genuine apology. Perhaps, you could let him know you never meant to offend his feelings and you do value his company. You can try explaining why you did not find the joked funny and that it was not a reflection of him or his humor. A causal conversation should help in clearing things. People often appreciate when someone is sincere and genuine acknowledge things. It is natural to feel guilty but taking proactive steps to clear air is a good step forward. Take care!
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
24 Feb
You are,right. I'll talk to him and see how he reacts. If I had unintentionally offended him; I'll apoligige to him. I'll make it clear to him that,his,jokes,did not make me laugh and that I had no intention to hurt him. I hope if he is angry; he will calm down in a minute or two.
1 person likes this
@MarkPaul (114)
•
24 Feb
So, just let him...
You know what's funny? We spend so much of our time trying to prove our worth to other people, trying to satisfy other people, but the most freeing thing you can do is just let them... let them think what they want about you and let them miss out on you. You have to ask yourself, are you committing your time to prove yourself, to clear up every misconception and misperception so everyone knows your true intentions? If your neighbour has already made up his mind about you and your behaviour, you are not going to be able to change his mind. So, just let him...
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
25 Feb
Thanks. I don't want to prove myself. My neighbor talks to me,everyday. He is normal. I don't know what happened to him that day. His jokes .did not make me,laugh. That's it. I still dont know why he reacted in that way. We have been close friends.
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
25 Feb
@MarkPaul You are right.
Today he came to me and began talking to me as if nothing had,happened a couple,of days back.
We are friends again.
1 person likes this
@MarkPaul (114)
•
25 Feb
@Shivram59 Then the friendship will remain and that's good. Close friendships are a gift. And, while we do need to be sensitive to others, we also need to let people be. He may have wanted a different reaction from you. That's not in his control though. You may have wanted more understanding from him. That's not in your control.
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
24 Feb
Thanks; my friend..I don't know. I'm feeling guilty. If his jokes were boring to me; how could I laugh!!?? I didn't want to hurt him.
@Shivram59 (39173)
• India
24 Feb
I pray that time never comes. Though I had no intention to hurt him. If; as you comes again; I'll laugh on his jokes.