> In my opinion, ignoring hurtful behavior because we believe the intent wasn't meant to be hurtful will only encourage these behaviors in the long run.
OTOH, maybe you should man the fuck up and move on with your life. I know that seems blunt and assholeish, but that's sort of the point.
I've been offended plenty of times and talked myself down because I knew ultimately it was my emotions misinterpreting the intent.
There is nothing that says just offense can't be mistaken.
edit: watch someone call the phrase 'man the fuck up' sexist.
In my opinion, ignoring hurtful behavior because we believe the intent wasn't meant to be hurtful will only encourage these behaviors in the long run. We also do a disservice to the perpetrator, if they are truly well meaning or absent of meaning then we're robbing them of an opportunity to improve.