The Offense of "No Offense"

Have you ever noticed that whenever someone is going to say something that they think could cause discomfort or anger they will preface it by saying something along the lines of "no offense, but..." or "not to be mean or anything." What does this mean? If you are planning on saying something that you think could cause "offense," here's a thought... DON'T SAY IT! And if you still feel compelled to say it, or you truly feel that it must be said, then say it without the preface. The preface, in my experience, only serves to add to the "offense" that may have otherwise occurred. I like to think that I can take, and utilize, constructive criticism. But again, it has been my experience that nothing "constructive" comes directly after the aforementioned phrase. I will be working hard over the next few months to completely strike this phrase from my daily use.

With that said, no offense, but here's a picture of Andrea upside down...