"I understand what you're saying, but..."

[Cogwulf]

Anyone else notice how many other people say this, or words to that effect? I find that it is incredibly infuriating, especially as it is almost always followed by the other person repeating their original point in a slightly different way, and showing no signs at all that they've understood what you said.

 

[intpz]

You mean they show signs of ignorance? Mainly I get these in discussions about their opinions. I do indeed hate that nonsense.

 

[Fukyo]

Understanding is not agreeing.

 

[intpz]

Understanding is not agreeing.

Let me imbue your post: "I understand what you're saying, but I don't agree with you, and therefore I throw you the same pointless argument, however I rephrase it and I hope that you will not notice it, give up and adopt my opinion in the end."

 

[Fukyo]

Let me imbue your post: "I understand what you're saying, but I don't agree with you, and therefore I throw you the same pointless argument, however I rephrase it and I hope that you will not notice it, give up and adopt my opinion in the end."

Let me discourage you from imbuing other people's words with unrelated context of your own making.

 

[intpz]

Let me discourage you from imbuing other people's words with unrelated context of your own making.

*takes back his attempt to imbue Fukyo's post*

I declare that post as my opinion!

 

[Cogwulf]

Understanding is not agreeing.

They usually don't understand though.

Even if they do understand, they fail to adequately explain why they disagree.

 

[lungs]

it annoys me more when people assume others must not understand them because they disagree with them.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Anyone else notice how many other people say this, or words to that effect? I find that it is incredibly infuriating, especially as it is almost always followed by the other person repeating their original point in a slightly different way, and showing no signs at all that they've understood what you said.

I've seen it a lot and do it myself occasionally. As Fukyo pointed out, you don't have to agree in order to understand. It's a matter of persuasion and it happens because, whether you have a relatively expert or ignorant opinion, you approach the situation objectively.

"I understand your point of view, but it is important that you understand and agree with my way" At this point it's all about authority, unless there is some urgent or prospective crisis.