Just to be clear in case I sound hostile in my response, I’m not trying to be and am genuinely trying to reach an accord here. No sarcasm or anything.

Condescending to … Whom? My wife? I know her quite well; in past situations where I’ve pointed out any flaw in something she enjoys (generally not grammar related), that has become the focal point of the object for her. The grammatical stylings of the candle label are not something she can practically fix, so if she enjoys the label and I point out that it differs from the grammar I was taught, I would achieve nothing but … Ruining her enjoyment of it. Sincerely asking, how would you have phrased this to be less condescending? I don’t think she would have interpreted it as such, but if I can express myself more kindly to anyone I’d be happy to.

I am sorry if I have offended you, even by proxy. As I said, I generally don’t comment on grammar (excluding in the context of my toddler and solely in an effort to help them learn). Certainly, when I do, I have no interest in a “gotcha” other than maybe when gently trolling a friend whom I know well enough to know that they won’t take it seriously. Even that is a stretch.

I try to use good grammar in the interest of expressing myself clearly because I find socialization and conversation challenging and am trying to ensure that my meaning is interpreted accurately. Because I’m trying to use good grammar, I pay attention to the rules I think I know and therefore probably notice if those rules aren’t followed. However, if I believe that I’ve accurately interpreted the intent behind another adult’s statement, there’s not much reason to comment on the grammar (other than positively, anyway).

I think you misinterpreted the intent behind my statement, but I fully accept that perhaps I’ve expressed myself poorly. If that is the case, I thank you in advance for helping me to learn.