"Look, don't take this the wrong way, but can I suggest you get out of those clothes?"
—John Simpson, Beach House

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm looking for a strictly professional relationship."
—Kathleen Long, Silent Warning

"Don't take this the wrong way ... but I don't think I'd fit in your shoes."
—Syrie James, Forbidden

"Don't take this the wrong way, but don't you think it might be worthwhile for you to take a holiday—a week or two in the country to unwind and get your breath?"
—Brian Garfield, The Villiers Touch

"You're—and don't take this the wrong way— you're a . . . commodity."
—Josh James Riebock, Heroes and Monsters

"Don't take this the wrong way, but the ballet world seems almost cultish."
—Sophie Flack, Bunheads

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I haven't seen you looking this relaxed in years."
—Jane Sigaloff, Lost & Found

"Don't take this the wrong way—you seem like a great guy and all—but it's kind of odd that you just rolled up here, out of nowhere."
—George Washington, A Game of Groans: A Sonnet of Slush and Soot

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you sure seem different than when we spent all that time in Alaska."
—Craig Odanovich, Hanging By a Thread

"Don't take this the wrong way, but is it possible you don't want to fix it?"
—Lissa Manley, Her Small-Town Sheriff

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you don't seem so upset."
—Zoraida Cordova, Vicious Deep

"Now, don't take this the wrong way, but I think most women like cuddling."
—Helenkay Dimon, When She Wasn't Looking

"Look, don't take this the wrong way or anything, but you're my last resort."
—Jennifer LaBrecque, Northern Fires

"No offense, but you don't come across as no criminal mastermind to me."
—Sidney Sheldon's After the Darkness

"Now don't take this the wrong way, but you're very smart.  I do listen, but half the time I don't know what you're talking about."
—Jillian Medoff, Hunger Point

"Don't take this the wrong way but your primary thrust as an artist is hardly in getting guffaws."
—Richard Lewis, The Other Great Depression

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I don't want to do it, tonight.  I just want to be held."
—Jonathan Kellerman, The Conspiracy Club

"Don't take this the wrong way, dude, but how do I know you're for real?"
—Mark A. Roeder, This Time Around

"I respect you a lot, so don't take this the wrong way.  As long as it doesn't directly affect you, I don't see where you get off making a judgment."
—Mariah Stewart, Moments in Time

"To be honest—and don't take this the wrong way—but I was only going to make up a fantasy so you'd tell me yours."
—J.J. Murray, I'm Your Girl