I know a person who is fond of bringing up past comments or statements. They say (Sometimes years later), “That’s what you said! I know… I wrote it down. You want me to go get it?!” 90 times out of 100 they lob that grenade to WIN in a conversation or discussion. There’s only one problem, what this person wrote down included their interpretation of what was said and is nothing like what was actually said. Thus I LOVE these quotes…
I know you believe you understand what you think I said but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!
What you think may be what you heard but it is not what I meant!
Some quote others out of context. They emphasize certain words and present it to others with their own voice inflection… look in their eye… and body language to their advantage. They prefer to do this without the other person present to clarify what they misrepresent. We all know people like this.
How do you deal with such a person? Correct them gently when possible knowing they probably won’t listen to or believe you. Love them and then F.I.M.O. (Forget It, Move On).
Last thought: If/when you quote someone, do it in context… honestly… and fairly in the spirit of the Golden Rule (And be gracious!).