What do I mean by today’s title?
This is what I mean: it’s okay to ask “What do you mean?”
You might hesitate to ask “What do you mean?” for fear of seeming
- mean or impolite,
- ignorant,
- challenging, and/or
- otherwise inappropriate.
“What do you mean?” simply means you want more information. Because human communication is so challenging, asking “What do you mean?” is effective, direct, and actually a compliment!
What do I mean by saying it’s compliment? It tells the other person you are interested in their experience, thoughts, and feelings — you want to know more about them.
And since we are all working at making meaning, the more clear meanings we can make together, the better.
What do I mean by these photos?
The Daily Bitch isn’t afraid to ask “What do you mean?” and I hope you feel free to ask the meaning of any of today’s photos.
This is what I find when I search YouTube for “What do you mean?”
What do you mean when you say “Thank you”? I mean to say I’m appreciating all who help me ask questions and explore answers in this daily blog, including YOU.
What do you mean is a good question. Unfortunately, these days, often seen as a challenge and treated as if you are disagreeing with the last statement.
I try to make my meaning clear when I ask “What do you mean?” by maintaining a curious, open and non-mean tone.
I can hear you saying it now!
…and I can see a new song coming!
“What do you mean” is a great question if the other responding knows what they’re talking about.
Great point!
Sometimes I worry that I’m overexplaining and that the person I’m talking to will think I’m insulting their intelligence when really I just think I’m not being clear and if I’m insulting anyone’s intelligence it’s my own. I should step back and let them ask, “What do you mean?” if they want. Otherwise they might think I’m being mean.
What do you mean, Chris? I can’t imagine anybody thinking you are mean.
Oh my gosh, that slice of birthday cake in yesterday post looked so delicious! And today — is that millet? Mmm!
My fingers gave me a bit of trouble with today’s post, hitting different links several times before the reply link, so I had the pleasure of visiting some of your earlier posts and YouTubes. That was a plus.
What do you mean to tell us, with the photo of your empty work chair? Is that a way of celebrating vacation?
Thanks for asking what I meant with the photo of the chair. I ordered a new chair and put it together that day with Michael’s help. That photo shows the finished product.
I thought it was a very comfy looking chair.
what do you mean by that new comfy chair? a treat for your back and body? what do you mean can sound challenging to the person on the other end, I think it depends on the tone of delivery –
Thanks for catching my meaning, beth, in so many ways. The new chair gives more support, which I’ve been meaning to add to my office.
Harley is a Buddha, and that is what I mean.
Harley sometimes hisses when he wants me to feed him and I ask him, “Why are you hissing when I’m never mean to you?” I don’t know what he means but I’m sure he’s doing his best.
He’s been chanting OM all this time.