You know what really grinds my gears – people who say “no offence” and actually expect people not to get offended.

For example, I actually heard someone (on TV) say “I don’t want my son to be… no offense… gay.” What was worse was that she followed it with “so I always walk around the house naked.”
 
Yeah, because seeing mom naked will stop one from being gay. Who says that?

Saying something like “no offence, but I really don’t like that shirt you’re wearing” is hardly offensive. That would be a personal opinion and could be countered with “I’m not offended, I really do like my shirt.”

But “I don’t want my son to be gay, no offence” – seriously? It’s not a lifestyle choice, for crying out loud. That’s as offensive as saying “I really don’t like white people, no offence.”

Sure, everyone is entitled to their opinions but it doesn’t mean they are not insulting.

Are you less offended because she threw in a “no offence” remark? I hardly think so. Can you imagine if the comment was actually directed to a homosexual (as opposed to the camera and general audience)?

I wonder what they’d say to that, if they dignified it at all with a response. “WHAT?! Did you just say that? Oh wait, my bad… you said “no offence” so therefore it’s not an insult and I have no reason to get all defensive.” – Ahem, not bloody likely.
 
I’m offended, and it’s not even a personal attack.