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O-G - // They are sorry that what they are about to point out may upset the listener, but they feel they need it to be said anyway. It's an empathic issue, not wanting to upset another knowing how it may feel. //
Although I do take your point - I can only repeat my argument -
I would never offer an opinion with the advance advice that someone may be offended, and I am sorry if they are.
If i thought my opinion was going to offend someone, apart from the terminally and professionally offended, who don't count, I would either express it in such a way that I would remove any potential offence, or i would simply keep my view to myself.
To me, the right to offer an opinion without pre-censoring myself on the basis that someone I don't know, for reasons I am unaware of, may possibly be offended, is the right of free speech.
If I feel I want to express an opinion, I am happy to do so, and anyone and everyone is entirely entitled to argue, disagree, take offence, or whatever, and we can discuss it.
But I would never expect anyone to offer me their view, and apologise first in case I don't like it.
That's simply not having the courage of your convictions.