Giving and Taking Offence

Giving an offense and taking an offense are two different things. Some people are quick to take offense, some are quick to give. Others are quick to do neither.

Sometimes when we take offense we fail to see that the one from whom we took it is unaware that they gave it.

Sometimes we see clearly that they are trying to give offense and we take offense with pleasure, relishing the fight.

If we were smart, when we see that an offense is being offered we would ignore the offer and by doing so live happy peaceful lives.

A real danger lies in giving offense unawares while someone takes it up and keeps it to themselves, for then the offender is unaware that they have made an enemy.