Whatever

What does it mean when I say whatever? Whatever means stop, I heard you.

Whatever means I want you to cease with the pitch, your salesmanship is not working.

Whatever means I've heard what you had to say, I've processed it, and I've decided that anything else you have to say is just going to be endless variations on a theme.

Whatever means while you have gone to great length to state your position, it is, after all, your position, and one where you're just trying to get me to do something that benefits you.

Whatever means I fail to see what's in it for me, and while that may be selfish or narcissistic, the only person in the conversation we just had who is going to look out for my interests is, after all, me.

Whatever means I respect you enough to say "whatever," when I could just as easily smile, nod my head, and then walk away, as I would do if I trusted you less.

Whatever means it's time to go back to work and I'll probably do it anyway; just stop trying to convince me that I stand to benefit too.

Whatever is not about you. Whatever is how I protect myself, keep myself sane.

Whatever means "yes, but."

Now go away before I say no.