* Hmmm ... if I offer what I believe as a valid criticism (constructively) but it offends someone, they're going to tend to think of me as mean regardless of my

* Hmmm ... if I offer what I believe as a valid criticism (constructively) but it offends someone, they're going to tend to think of me as mean regardless of my intention.* Just because something offends someone else does not force that person to think of you as "mean". I don't buy into that argument at all. I can be offended but think "That guy's just a jerk - that's the way he is" (jerk != mean). Or I can choose to think, "He maybe was a bit harsh in how he said it, but ultimately his point is correct." You aren't "wrong" in your other ideas, but I just don't agree that offending someone causes them to think you are mean.