Why Nothing Personal Means It Is Extremely Personal

Why it feels even more personal when someone says nothing personal

Janice Tovey
2 min readJun 5, 2022

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Photo by Spencer Backman on Unsplash

Do you cringe when you hear the words “nothing personal.” In all honesty, I have come to believe that the phrase, it’s nothing personal” is nothing more than an excuse for insensitive, unethical, selfish and often just “bad” behavior.

If you were to adhere to psychological advice for dealing with “it’s nothing personal,” you would:

  • stop and take a couple breaths
  • remember feelings and thoughts don’t define who you are
  • picture yourself as a bright blue tranquil sky

I disagree with the professionals on this one.

There are those that believe that you can do whatever you want in “business” because in business nothing ever is personal. It is just business. Again, in my books, an excuse for unethical, insensitive and self-serving behavior.

I believe the “it’s nothing personal” line is nothing more than an excuse for selfishness and extreme disregard for another person’s feelings and well being.

Yes it is good to restore a level head, take a few breaths, and calm yourself. But, you know in your heart you have either been insulted or taken advantage of…

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Janice Tovey

My passion is writing. I also love reading, teaching, animals, nature, music, and humor. I am curious about everything and enjoy writing about all things.