"...but we do it casually which by its very nature shows we do not care about doing it."
Good point. Not caring about how we treat our fellow man is probably the worse human trait of all. Every man, woman, child and animal, each and every one, we all deserve respect and we all deserve to treat each other with the same respect, no quibble. I totally agree that using colloquialisms in the casual sense can be considered as downright rude - ignorant even. But, surely that only applies if the casual sense is spoken with malice, or intent. In the case of this particular thread, it would seem pretty obvious that all colloquialisms used within were only used in the context for which they were meant. i.e: in the affectionate sense -- no malice whatsoever. It really is the easiest thing in the world for any person to immediately start ranting, but, seemingly, very, very difficult for some to understand the difference between the two.
FLJ, for instance, I can call him just about every name under the sun, but, in his case, it is always received with a hearty chuckle. Never once has he questioned my motives, or tried to make me justify myself. I think the reason being that he simply has the gift to see it for what it really is. And, because of that, it is quite easy for me to assume that all fellow humans are of his same attitude. But, every once in a while, I run into a brick wall. There is always someone out there only too willing to think otherwise, always assuming the very wrong end of the stick.
In the three years since I joined this forum I have lost count of the numerous times I've been made to apologise for things said. Think about that for a moment. Having to apologise to someone just because that someone did not have the good sense to understand the true context. In some eyes, apologising for a wrong which you had not committed goes above the call of duty. Me, I call it keeping in line with forum etiquette. But you reach a point where you get sick and tired of apologising for, or having to justify your actions.
So where does it go from here?
Does one live a lie, becoming a person which they aren't in order to keep the whiners from whining? Or does one live the true and honest way, but risk being banned from the forum?
It's too heavy. Let's just lighten up, be what we are meant to be. If we can't do each other a good favour then let's not do each other a bad one. And for Gawd's sakes, puhleeeese quit making me justify myself. You've known me long enough by now surely to realise I'm not out to deliberately cause agro.
By the way, some time ago Martin berated me for my use of the word ''foreign''. A good friend of mine, 'foreign' Patel, he insisted we all call him that name, such was his character. After I explained the situation to Martin no more was said. So if the boss can see that I'm not out to cause grief, then why can't everyone else? Let's just build boats - and bridges. No need for all this heavy jive.