Why do people use this phrase when what they have said/done is directed at me personally? Is it an excuse to justify the behaviour, or do guys really think that their actions are never personal?
I'm sure girls say it too, but I'm asking in context because I've heard it too many times lately from my bf after either being yelled at, glared at or simply dismissed when I ask a question.
Just an example, bf lost his tape measurer. This is so stupid I'm embarassed to type it. He left it outside when he was measuring a window. He went into a 40 second rant "Ginger, where the f did you f-ing put my g-damn m-f-ing tape measurer? You ALWAYS move my g-damn f-ing tools." By the way, I never touch his tools, I have my own, and I don't condone swearing at all in anger, he knows all this.
I tried to stay calm and told him he left it outside, then he argued me down to nothing trying to convince me I was the one who moved his tape measurer. A few hours later, I came to him to discuss it, to tell him I didn't like his tone or the way he lashed out at me and I get the phrase "don't take it personally, you always take everything personally". How can I not? It feels like a dismissal, like I shouldn't have felt hurt by that.
Any insight guys? I appreciate it.