Dear Amy: I know some people who occasionally come out with, “All I can do is be honest” when asked about something.

You already know that really means, “Brace yourself. Here comes a negative observation encased in a pejorative comment.”

When someone says that I have taken to saying, “Oh. You’re one of those lucky ones. A whole bunch of us got sucked into believing it is more important to be polite and considerate of other people’s feelings.”

Do you think my response is rude and condescending?

It almost always embarrasses the other person who made the honesty comment.

Please be honest with me (pun intended).

– The Comeback Kid

Dear Kid: Yes, I do think your response is at the very least sarcastic, and definitely condescending.

I do understand your impulse to head comments off at the pass, however, especially if you assume they will be negative or upsetting. But you should consider whether it might be better for you to let people reveal themselves through their own words, and then you can respond with your own brand of honesty.

You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.