Thanks sidestepper! I think you really helped touch upon my original thoughts regarding the idea.

The reasons why I think a mentally ill individual should not accuse others of "having no understanding" is because saying so will push others away, and create resent from both ends. I think people respond very negatively if you give them the impression that MI excuses you of your actions. I believe it is in the MI individual's interest to foster the growing bond and trust necessary to talk about these issues.

And another thanks to tangodream. I guess it's not so much WHAT is said, as it is the attitude: Such as it may be appropriate to explain to someone that it's impolite to assume they understand your experience, but this needs to be done with patience on both sides.

I also think that I may have had better experiences with the people who have tried to talk to me than some users here! From my experience, it has been mostly me holding back on what I say limiting us from understanding. From my point of view, the phrases I listed were things I could say to avoid any real discussion.