When was the last time you said “that is just my opinion? ” Was it necessary to label a thought as simply your own? Do you still feel that way now?*
Hmm. The last time I used the phrase “that is just my opinion” was today. A friend of mine and I were having a discussion and he asked for my input on his situation. Before I opened my mouth and released the floodgates, I first said, “It’s just my opinion, but…” Then I let him have it.
I never think about why I bother to tag that phrase to any statements I make. If I offer an opinion, it’s just that: my opinion. You don’t have to agree with it. Hell, you don’t even have to like it. But I suppose in a way saying “that is just my opinion” or any variation of the phrase is just a way for me to let you know that my perspective is not fact and should not be taken as such. Of course, you can choose to do so the same way you can choose to accept someone’s advice. That’s on you. But at the end of the day, many of us are not experts. The most we can do is say what we think. If possible we could back up our opinions with facts, but then it wouldn’t necessarily be an opinion anymore, would it?
Do I still feel that way? Well, since I’m actively using the phrase, I guess so. A more appropriate question may be “Will I always feel that way?” and the truth is, probably.
I think…
*Prompt created by HarsH ReaLiTy
The Random Mind 
I agree with your statements and part of the reason I never use those words is that, like you said, I assume they understand it is my opinion. Sometimes I can see the need to add it to soften a blow, but I don’t normally take that consideration because I normally only have those types of talks with close friends and relatives that should already know that, right? 😉
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I hear what you’re saying, and I agree. People should know that your opinion is just an opinion. What I find interesting is that many people treat their opinions as though they are concrete facts. Usually when I come across someone who thinks their opinion is pure gold sprinkled with glitter, they don’t use the “that is just my opinion disclaimer.” Perhaps some people use that phrase to differentiate themselves from the overly opinionated. Who knows? Either way, I know I guilty of using it 🙂
Thanks for reading!
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Thank you for participating! I enjoyed reading it.
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