I never intentionally try to upset people. I moderate the Current Events and Debates forum. Of course, I try to make sure that things don't get too personal and that everything stays under control. If you get too upset over something, then I personally think you need to use your judgment and stay out of that topic. You can't hide yourself from life, things will be around that will upset you too.
How would you offend anyone? Just keep them short and simple, then things are easy.
He may love you and you may love it, but that doesn't make it right. I'm going to use a lame comparison. I have days where I love my addiction, but that doesn't make it right for me.
Go advanced is the button next to post message in the box that you type in. It takes you to a fancy text editor that has a sidebar with emoticons on it. There is a button that will show you more, says something like "show more".