Patronizing?

Heh!Heh! Roger. Yeah, and Phoenix is shy, too.

Actually, Rog. You say "No!" better than anyone I know.

Phoenix, my older sister tends to be a bit "over-the-toppish" and then there are times when she flat out wields the insults like a double edged sword.

Another profound and thought-provoking thread from one of our most intelligent and philosophical members . . . hmmm . . . where's my trowel?

ah, Setanta. There's our resident history man. You have sooooooo much to say. Care to share?

On second thought.........................

Well, that's why i was looking for my trowel, Miss Letty. I'd need that to lay it on any thicker . . .

I've tried to do the flattery thing where I knew I was bald-faced lying and admit I have difficulty with it, so generally I keep my mouth shut (not easy) if others are being insincere and the pressure is on to join the gang. I've had a friend who tried on a particularly gross outfit once and she asked what I thought. I didn't have to say anything, my face said it all and she laughed on her way to take it off.

I have been known to get myself into a lot of trouble trying to flatter people without sincerity. I remember one time many years ago when a boss of mine walked into the office one morning with a sweater that sent everyone shrieking with laughter to the ladies' room. (It was covered with short pieces of yarn in very bright colors that stuck out at weird angles.) I was the only one left standing there. She point-blank asked me what I thought of it, and the only thing I could think of to say was..."Well, I think it's great that you're not afraid to show you have a sense of humor!"

(hooboy, that look could've killed...)

Heeven, My daughter sent my husband a shirt for his birthday that no one and I mean NO ONE would wear. I told her so, and she laughed. I usually try to be tactful with my kids, but not this time. Couldn't bring myself to give it away, though. It has become a conversation piece.

Incidentally, I love your avatar. How do you do that thing with your hair?

Eva, Hilarious. You still working for her?

The incident that brings this closest to home for me, is when some fellows from the golf course dropped by for a drink before they finished the circuit. One fellow, a black guy, was philosophizing about ethnicity, etc. I didn't say a word until he point blank asked me, " You aren't prejudiced are you?" I was silent for a moment, and resisted the urge to patronize him, because, quite frankly, I had to roll that over in my mind a bit. I finally replied, "I don't know." I think it surprised him, but we did become better friends after that.

Oh no, Letty. She left town shortly after that. Good riddance, I might add.

Good answer to your friend, btw. That sort of honesty usually does lead to friendship. Funny how that works.

Why thank you (blush), it's au naturel you know.
Wait! Are you being sincere?