I'm sorry but...

[marni]

Well, I'm sorry to say that in my family we use" bless his heart" as a positive comment for anyone who has connected in a way of genuine friendship, goodness or helpfulness. We mean it literally as in wishing said person well and declaring that this is a good person. We also, again in the family,use " I'm sorry but," as a sincere apology followed by an explanation of why we did or thought whatever we did that was wrong according to the other persons perceptions.

Of course we always taught our children that there were no wrong answers to most situations, and if they could give a logical explanation of why they thought, acted or spoke the way they did, we would listen and help them figure out whether or not there was a better way to have done it.

but that's just me who has either been lucky enough to have either of these satements applied in a negative manner, or if it was I never noticed since I figure that as long as I act, speak and think morally, honestly and sincerely without harm to another person, then other peoples' thoughts and comments about me don't matter.