Have you ever wondered why we waste so much of our time, energy, and words on some of the things we say? Perhaps not, but, unfortunately, I do. So, lucky you, I've decided to write about it.
Just in case you're wondering what on earth I am talking about, let me paint a scenario. You've returned from a holiday, very relaxed, possibly a little smug. You then bump into an acquaintance.
'You're back from your holiday?' they ask. 'No', you think sarcastically, 'didn't want to end the holiday, so I sent my double.'
Of course, to their face, you say 'Yes!' enthusiastically and proceed to give unasked for details, whilst your acquaintance's eyes glaze over and they wish you indeed had sent your double and were still in Hawaii or where ever else you'd been to.
Another example, is someone saying, 'Don't mean to stick my nose in'. Well, good old Pinocchio is definitely lying and has every intention of sticking their nose in.
I am sure most of us would love to say, 'Didn't think for a minute that you were going to. Thank you for your consideration'.
Instead we suffer through some well intended but hardly original, advice.
Yet another one is, 'Don't take offence but...'. Loosely translated, that means 'Brace yourself because I am about to offend you'. Unfortunately, I can be at the receiving end of those words, particularly when my girls' are critiquing my outfit and/or make up.
So, sometimes, I guess, it can be genuine. Far be it for me to cause embarrassment by making the wrong choice of outfit or make up before I leave the house.
Mind you, talking about leaving the house, I was about to go shopping the other day, when my eldest requested that I buy a new drink - Mango flavoured Coke (I know).
Just as I was about to step out, I got another reminder. 'Please don't forget the Coke'. For her sake, I wish she'd stopped there. Unfortunately, she added, 'only if they've got it'.
Well, this is my daughter, so I replied, 'I will try my best to get it, even if they don't have it!' She harrumphed her displeasure but didn't say anything (must've really wanted to try that drink quite badly).
Just before shutting the door, I poked my head in and called out, 'no offence!'
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