Of course, this line comes up in many different contexts, not just romantic ones. But it often rears its enigmatic head, it seems, in relationships - particularly, in my experience, when one partner is asking for validation or approval.
We often see threads here about the code meanings for various phrases, and I'm thinking this may be one of them.
yep, usually it is said when they don't WANT to tell you because they are done thinking about it and you are being a pest. At least that is what my sister tells me. I have never heard those words personally.
shipoker55: It means...I don't know what to tell you!!
I'm thinking that it's largely equivalent to "What do you want me to tell you?" mainly because the two often seem to come up in the same conversation (in my experience).
I see them both as *usually* being evasive - that is, they are either a "stalling for time to think" or a "I'm not sure I dare tell you what I really think" strategy.
Ambrose2007: Of course, this line comes up in many different contexts, not just romantic ones. But it often rears its enigmatic head, it seems, in relationships - particularly, in my experience, when one partner is asking for validation or approval.
We often see threads here about the code meanings for various phrases, and I'm thinking this may be one of them.
Jeff
Hi Ambrose what you wrote reminds me of a song by, I think it Loggins and Messina, its called 15 Summers and dont know if it will have any bearing at all on what you are tring to get at..........
Fifteen summers And you're trying to tell me Just how lonely this world can be Fifteen summers You say you're the only One who's had good love go badly I can't tell you how these things happen All of you can do is pray for love and let it be Fifteen summers Already you're a woman Or lets just say you could have fooled me There's nothing missing Your heart strings just need tuning But you can't wait You want to play The whole recital right away And I can't tell you, how these things happen You give your heart, hoping that someone else Gives you love in return Oh I can't tell you how these things happen All of you can do is pray for love and let it be And I can't tell how these things happen All of you can do is pray for love And when you do just put a word in for me
Its a really beautiful song - Ill try to find it on utube
I know, it mentions praying and I apologise to all my Atheist buddies..........
Ambrose2007: I'm thinking that it's largely equivalent to "What do you want me to tell you?" mainly because the two often seem to come up in the same conversation (in my experience).
I see them both as *usually* being evasive - that is, they are either a "stalling for time to think" or a "I'm not sure I dare tell you what I really think" strategy.
The main time I have ever said that , the subject was over my head or a situation I have never been in before and had no experience with etc. Just like answering this question, I just don't know what to tell you.
Thanks, Trish. I *think* I see why that question would make you think of this song. I probably have heard it, but can't remember the melody at the moment. I'll download it today at some point...
Not sure I can accept you apology to atheists, by the way, T.
Ambrose2007: Thanks, Trish. I *think* I see why that question would make you think of this song. I probably have heard it, but can't remember the melody at the moment. I'll download it today at some point...
Not sure I can accept you apology to atheists, by the way, T.
I was wrong, it was Gallagher and Lyle - have posted it in vids - have a listen, its really beautiful..............
Ambrose2007: Of course, this line comes up in many different contexts, not just romantic ones. But it often rears its enigmatic head, it seems, in relationships - particularly, in my experience, when one partner is asking for validation or approval.
We often see threads here about the code meanings for various phrases, and I'm thinking this may be one of them.
Jeff
I have used that phrase a time or two...
I've said it when my EX didnt like what i said or wanted to argue my opinion of something...i had nothing more to say on the topic and after repeating myself again and again...i didnt know what to tell him to make him happy, content or for him to just shut up.
Or...that i dont agree with "you" on something and theres no way to put it thats its gonna make sense.
Or I have too much on my mind or have thought to much about it and no conclusions have been made...
Im thinking now, i may use that more then i thought...
blue_eyed_blonde: I have used that phrase a time or two...
I've said it when my EX didnt like what i said or wanted to argue my opinion of something...i had nothing more to say on the topic and after repeating myself again and again...i didnt know what to tell him to make him happy, content or for him to just shut up.Or...that i dont agree with "you" on something and theres no way to put it thats its gonna make sense.Or I have too much on my mind or have thought to much about it and no conclusions have been made...Im thinking now, i may use that more then i thought...
Not sure what to tell you about that, Trudy...
Seriously, thanks for that detailed response! I'm wondering what your EX didn't like about you said - what was that kind of conversation about typically (I'm guessing some controversial subject)? If you don't mind my asking, Blue.
roseofsharonmanchester, Hampshire, England UK8,699 posts
Ambrose2007: I'm thinking that it's largely equivalent to "What do you want me to tell you?" mainly because the two often seem to come up in the same conversation (in my experience).
I see them both as *usually* being evasive - that is, they are either a "stalling for time to think" or a "I'm not sure I dare tell you what I really think" strategy.
I believe you have hit the nail on the head, Ambrose!!
roseofsharon: I believe you have hit the nail on the head, Ambrose!!
Thanks, Alison!
But I suspect there are times when it means something closer to its actual words. I can see, for instance, someone saying "I don't know what to tell you" in response to: "Why does Planck's Constant exist?"
On the other hand, "What do you want me to tell you?" doesn't, in my opinion, often lend itself to such a literal meaning. It could be an expression of legitimate confusion, but perhaps more commonly would be a stalling for time or other form of evasive verbal maneuver.
ClaayerWild Wild South West, Cornwall, England UK15,888 posts
LovingMassage: yep, usually it is said when they don't WANT to tell you because they are done thinking about it and you are being a pest. At least that is what my sister tells me. I have never heard those words personally.
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We often see threads here about the code meanings for various phrases, and I'm thinking this may be one of them.
Jeff