Sometimes, even when (perhaps especially when) I'm trying to be sensitive to someone's feelings, I shove my size 9.5s firmly into my mouth.
Like the time a friend from grad school told me all about how her best friends were all gay men, and how rude people could be sometimes. I, later in the conversation, said that something was "gay, but in the best possible way." I NEVER use the word "gay" to mean anything but either homosexual or giddily happy. Never. But then? That day? Blammo.
Then there was the student whose relative had died in an unexpected and somewhat grisly way. During that lesson and the next one, I managed to use "dead-on," "deadly," "I'm dying here!" "you're killing me!" "one foot in the grave," and at least a few more corpse-laden words.
Got financial trouble? Surely, I'll talk about something "breaking the bank," or "sending me to the poorhouse." Medical issues? "Apple a day," "it's not like it's brain surgery!" or "that's like a CANCER in society!" Weight struggles? "Yo momma so FAT, she has her own ZIP code!"
What is WRONG with me?
Sigh.
4 comments:
The first time I saw an acquaintance after her (first childhood pet) dog died, I made an Old Yeller joke without thinking - for the first and last time. Of course. Because THAT'S so popular a reference, right? >.<
your problem? You are human. We all do those things. I have one I'm so embarrassed about I can't even tell it to strangers.
My very best friend's mother died many years ago. Approximately twice a year I respond to something she says with, "Your mama." And then I kick myself.
There's NO WAY you wear a 9.5 shoe...!
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