How to Understand Me: A Handy Translation Guide

WHAT I SAY: I don't want to contact you ever again.
WHAT I MEAN: Don't contact me.

WHAT I SAY: I would rather you don't do that.
WHAT I MEAN: Don't do that.

WHAT I SAY: I don't want that.
WHAT I MEAN: I don't want that.

WHAT I SAY: No.
WHAT I MEAN: No.



The first time I went through this, it made me angry.  The second time, it made me feel sad and betrayed.  The third time... I'm just exhausted.