When a person says, "You don't know me," they are likely expressing the feeling that you lack a deep understanding of who they are or what they are going through. It can imply that you might be making assumptions or judgments without having a complete understanding of their experiences, emotions, or personality.
An appropriate response in this situation would depend on the context and your relationship with the person. Here are some potential responses:
Apologize and show empathy: "I'm sorry if I've made you feel that way. I want to understand you better. Can you tell me more about yourself?"
Validate their feelings: "You're right; I may not fully know everything about you. But I'm willing to listen and learn."
Acknowledge and seek clarification: "I understand that I might not know you as well as I'd like to. Please help me understand better, and I'll do my best to be more considerate."
Express openness: "I'm always here to listen if you want to share more about yourself. I'm interested in getting to know you better."
Respect their space: "I respect your feelings, and I won't push you to share anything you're not comfortable with. Just know that I'm here for you whenever you want to talk."
It's essential to be understanding and non-judgmental in your response. Showing empathy and a genuine willingness to learn more about the person can help build trust and a deeper connection with them. Remember, people have their reasons for feeling guarded or expressing such statements, and it's crucial to be sensitive to their emotions.