Words.

Words that we use are not 'polite' or 'impolite' in and of themselves.
They are nothing more than groups of letters jumbled around that once vocalized, translates to a sound.
These sounds have meaning.

We can CHOOSE to take offense at language that is directed at us.

We can CHOOSE take offense even if the the words expressed were not intended to give offence.

'pass me the salt, please‘, is a pretty innocuous sentence.

If the emotional response to the words spoken is:
'So you're you implying that I am not a good cook, when you said pass me the salt?'...

This the innocuous statement - and the response - opens the door to a whole world of understanding the other persons psychological space that they inhabit.
Their internal landscape, as it were.

The taking of offense involves the experiencing of some negative emotion.

It's an emotional response that‘s been triggered by a word or sentence.

This is because the use of a word or sentence, one that causes the offence, is in conflict with the person who 'receives' the information.

A conflict that questions the readers own internal reality .

This means that it is NOT connected to the 'deliverer‘ of the words (the author) - but to the internal psychological structures of the reader.

So, when these internal psychological borders are crossed, we feel offended.

The more fragile the internal landscape is, the easier it is to offend.

What contributes to this fragile internal landscape?

Many things, but some are more obvious than others.

Age.

The younger you are in years, the more fragile your internal landscape (as a general rule).
The less real life experiences that you've had to deal with, the less information you have to use as a reference point.
If you do not have these real life experiences, the mind creates a landscape to fill in the missing part of the picture.

As time goes on, and real life experiences are encountered- these 'blank parts of the mind canvas' will be filled in more and more, to gain a more accurate picture of reality.
. IF - and only if - you gain real life experiences.

IF not - you then get emotionally fragile snowflakes like wtp 'little dan', and @ultravioletmag 'orc sarah'.

For example, they both extolled the 'ultra importance' of free speech as a principle.

(a construct based on theory, and not real life experiences).
But then - WHEN CONFRONTED WITH REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES in the form of harsh words (criticism), their fragile,internal, MADE up psychological construct, didn't match the actual reality.
(oh, and they've both muted me, bless)
...psychologically fragile, much ?...lol

They had meltdowns.

Their minds being simply TOO FRAGILE to cope with reality. (facts...logic...critical thinking - reality)

The reasons behind this kind of emotional cowardice, are many - privileged upbringing and over protective parents, single child, no material hardships - the list goes on - but it's not too difficult to see the kind of influences in childhood that can contribute to the fragile internal psychological landscape of the so called 'adult'...

So while age is a determining factor in a broad sense - most people, having real life experiences that 'toughen them up' - the snowflakes live in world of closeted theory, and as they get older, find themselves more and more at odds, with reality.

Holding on to delusions becomes more and more important - as to NOT do so - would undermine their pre-conceived ideas of what reality is.

Our judgement of words that people use are informed by our own values and beliefs.

To question where those subjective meanings and emotional attachments to specific words derive from - is one step on the road in the journey of getting to 'know thyself'..._

(This is why the emotionally fragile snowflake who's reached adulthood tend to stay in a state of immaturity and have an emotionally juvenile reaction to things that other people would handle very differently. They never learn the life skills needed, to then go on to learn how to discover self awareness).

You cannot actually give offence, unless the other participant in the exchange chooses to take offence.

Insults and offence are NOT automatically inherent in the speakers words – but in the brains and minds of the reader.

And even if the author DID intend to insult the reader, if the listener was not emotionally triggered – then there could be no insult.
There... could ....be... no... insult.

So if you worry about causing offense with your words – don’t.

It really is a problem in the minds of the fragile snowflake.

Don't take on their emotionally retarded outlook on life, by self censoring - you do neither you - or them - any favors.

I believe 'fucking libtard snowflakes' is the scientific term for such people.

If you feel that you take offense too easily, consider why that is...

What are your experiences (or lack of) in the past, that allow yourself to be triggered so easily ?...simply by another persons words?

What is it in your own psyche, that you're too scared to confront?

...if you don't have the courage to face your own demons - then what is it - in your own psyche - that's made you into such an emotional coward?

....rather than spending lots of time being angry and offended by what someone else says - why not see it is a signpost into your own mind?

A signpost with neon lights flashing brightly , saying "If you want to know thyself – please come and dig here!"

While you may not like what others are saying – suck it up, buttercup, and use it to understand yourself, better.

....The thing about snowflakes – especially on social media – is that they can't take a punch (intellectually speaking).

...'Weak people' in every sense of the word.

I’m not here to suck up to anyone....

(you may have already noticed that as a particular trait of mine).

I CANNOT OFFEND ANYONE.

ONLY YOU CAN DO THAT.

(to yourself !!!).

Simple.