"I Know You're Busy But"

If there is one phrase I have tried to catch myself starting to say to someone, it's "I know you're busy but..."

Those five words should just be sliced off the beginning of sentences. It means nothing. In fact, what it really means is, "Even though you might be busy, I want you to listen to what I have to say. Now."

It is far more courteous to simply ask, "Are you busy?" or "Do you have a couple of minutes?" But most people would never choose to word it that way, because they might get a reply they really don't want to hear.

When you call me at work, of course I am busy. You know I am busy. I know that you know I am busy.

It's just one of those little annoying phrases that I think we should all try to use less frequently, unless it really is important. Like "I know you're busy but I think your car's being towed."

What's not that important? "I know you're busy but do you have so-and-so's phone number?" "I know you're busy but do you remember that recipe for...?" "I know you're busy but what's the name of that place you stayed at..." And then there are the business calls. "I know you're busy ~ and I won't take much of your time ~ but may I ask who you use for your credit card processor?"

I know you're busy, but thanks for reading this.