Kindly, Gently...

[MasterBeth]

Am I Being Unreasonable to think that writing Kindly or Gently at the beginning of a post is a pointless, performative piece of nonsense.

We'll decide if what you say is kind or gentle, thank-you very much.

I’m going to stop using it based on what I’m reading here. My intent is usually if I’m trying to make sure that it comes across that I am actually trying to be kind even if it might be deemed a difficult message. But it’s obviously not working 😆

The ones I see as usually preceding arsehole comments are ‘you do realise…’

Kindly, it’s very wanky.

I think some people genuinely don't know what "literally" means. I think they think it means "practically" or "almost."

Another one like that is "begs the question" which people use to say "raises the question" or "makes me wonder" instead of its real meaning.

Urghhh. Hate "gently" especially

Based on this thread, I’m never going to use it again. But, my intent would be when what you’re saying is quite blunt towards somebody that’s obviously in somewhat of a vulnerable or delusional position!

I’ve definitely never been described as a mimsy hovering dogooder in real life. Probably a nicer way of describing me though 😆 I’m not sure if i’ve even heard the word mimsy ever used in real life though, maybe my mum’s Laura Ashley clad friends at a Tupperware party in 1979.

My first thought is that you are about to hit me with something that isn't either gentle or kind.

@Calliopespa , both make the speaker sound a bit thick.

I dislike the way posters say 'going against the grain' when they express an opinion that isn't that of the majority of posters.

With the greatest respect, I don't think people are .... 😏

It reminds me of ladies who warden the church hall and wear mid length pleated skirts and have set perms. It's ok when they say it though. Not in the way it is said here 😂

100% with you, it's vomitworthy.

Totally my experience. Neither respectful or kind,

To be honest with you, ...

'Would you kindly make me a cup of tea?' is almost guaranteed to have me make it very weak and milky, or to not quite boil the water.

Gently, this passive aggressive shite, seems to be common on MN. 🤣

Does this mean we can all agree that Kind Regards at the end of an email needs to get in the bin? I only ever use Regards, the kind bit is implied.

Same with ‘sincere apology’, just give me the damned apology - if you mean it, it’ll be obvious. Adding sincere just implies to me that the writer also makes insincere apologies, or that they’re a hand-wringing lick-spittle with rheumy eyes and a crush on the local church warden.

Oh, and ‘proper’ anything can fuck off, too. That just makes me want something very much improper.

Thanks, OP, I feel better for that.

Yes I hate it too. Also "polite notice". What happened to the word "please".

It also makes me slightly long for the straightforward rudeness of this kind of sign that they use in Paris. At least you know where you are with that.

But isn’t that what going against the grain means?

Hate ‘kindly’ and gently’. Didn’t know it was bloody AI but at least humans have not sunk that low.

Polite notice started off to try and con people into thinking it read Police Notice but didn't really fool most folks.
Please, to me, would have more effect but even then, if it's not illegal has no clout.
I too struggle with kind regards. I mean, what other sort of regards are there ,? 🤔

Urgh. I also hate 'kind regards'. F@*k with your kind regards! Kindness is not attribute you can claim, its something felt by the recipient- or not.

I hate polite reminders. I get a polite reminder for my nail appointment that makes me all scratchy on the inside.

If you say ‘could you kindly send me the document ’, it’s fine. ‘Kindly, can you send me the document’ is nonsense.

Just remember to store it in the shared drive next time 😊

"Could you kindly do X" translates, in my head, as a threat: "... Or There Will Be Unpleasant Consequences For You!"

I’ve certainly used it and never meant it to be pass agg or wanky 🤣 genuinely trying to deliver maybe a home truth or just a difficult statement to hear kindly and or gently. As others have said I’ve used it mostly when there’s been a pile on to an OP and trying to explain a point without seeming like I’m also piling on.

interesting to see other perspectives on it, as others have said it can be difficult to assess tone through text so for me personally it’s helpful - appreciate not for everyone

Who says that to you? Are they being serious?