How do you answer questions where your answer may offend or hurt the asker?

I tend to try to spare the other person’s feelings, but sometimes I don’t make it.

Try to change some words, set and arrange the words perfectly that almost not look as an offensive feedback. I mostly do it thrice.

Sometimes, you really need to know the asker. There’s a time you can be respectful to him/her.

Just be easy. AKA choose your words carefully

It depends on how serious the question is.

I try not to be mean. But I’ll say things that could hurt someone if it’s honest, in my opinion. I just did that earlier today. I didn’t want to say it, but I think it was the best answer I could give, so I said this was in the interest of giving a good answer, although it might not apply to him personally. I could say this because there weren’t enough details to say anything specific to the questioner/

I simply try to be the biggest dick possible. I hope your jesus tree bursts into flames while you sleep.

I used to be a lot more blunt than I am now. Really, it’s true. But I have never caught the hang of saying other than what I see as the truth. Prevarication is not in my lexicon. People who know me know to expect the plain, unvarnished truh, though I have learned a bit of temperence. Still, if you want sugar-coating, I can only direct you to the nearest doughnut shop, because I have one. The best that I can do is refrain from answering.

I suppose it would depend on the nature of the question, and how close you are to the person asking.
If it’s a fairly superficial question (like ‘how do I look?’) or just wanting approval for an accomplishment (that you think is bad, like a painting) – then of course, sugar coat all you want!
When the matter is serious, and the person needs some true advice…let the truth be known if it spares them even more hurt feelings in the future. Just because you are telling them the truth, does not make you a meanie. It’s in the delivery, and if you have the intention to hurt it will come across that way.

Although, if the question is about something or a situation that can’t really change (like a bad personality trait, or a cheating spouse), then it all really depends on the nature of your relationship. Sometimes not butting in is a good thing.

I almost always try to answer in such a way that the OP knows what I am saying, but isn’t hurt too awfully much by it. I don’t like to needlessly hurt people.

Contrary to what many think, I don’t go out of my way or try to think up ways to be mean. But I try to answer honestly, directly and comprehensibly rather than dancing around an issue, sugarcoating it or using euphemisms. When an idea is stupid I say that the idea is stupid. If people identify too closely with their stupid ideas then sometimes they take offense, but it’s not usually my intent.

I avoid questions that may solicit mean comments (such as the recent I’m 5’4” and weigh 230 lbs. – Am I attractive?). Not only do I not want to participate in such threads, but I cringe just reading the replies some people leave. For someone that’s obviously struggling with self-acceptance, it’s my opinion that despite their pleas for ‘honest’ answers, it’s better to not say anything unless it’s praise.

You have to know your own passion towards topics. If someone is planning on hurting a African American and you adamantly oppose this, you should definitely speak your mind besides the fact that the person could get hurt.

However, a question about the attractiveness of pants may not fall under your passion of topic.

I consider any question as a question first and foremost. My answer will be the best possible answer and if that hurts or ruffles feathers TS!

@Cruiser

LMAO! Yayyy! : D

@littlebeck30

Did you mean hurting an African-American with racial slurs, or just “hurting an African-American,” just as you might anyone else?

Merry Christmas @CaptainHarley!

I call it like I see it.

You gain nothing by dodging around the truth; just try to avoid being more obnoxious than you have to.

@Cruiser

Yo, bro! Merry Christmas to you as well, and I pray a wondrous new year for you too! : )

Thank you @CaptainHarley Your prayers are a heartfelt gesture and greatly appreciated!

Gleefully!

@ratboy

You’re not a rat… you’re a sick puppy.

You know and i know, that some people can never be offended, no matter what you write about them and their question. i read the question, first. i never look at other answers, before giving my own. respect is the name of the game on Fluther.

@john65pennington

Yeah, although I would have used “consideration.”

I was a lot worse about it than I am as I age. If I disliked the person, I would try to be as big a dick as possible about it, I might even exaggerate to twist the knife a bit. It I like the person, I would be very careful to spare the persons feelings.