Thursday, October 9, 2008

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

Dear Women Friends,

I am writing this letter to ask you to please refrain from saying stupid and insensitive things to other women. I understand that, on occasion, we are struck by a dangerous case of "foot in mouth" disease, but SERIOUSLY, it cannot be that difficult to THINK before speaking.

Some examples of this rudeness may include (but are certainly not limited to) the following statements:
"I didn't realize that style of [insert clothing item] was making a comeback,"
or "You look so great today, all dressed up...not that you don't normally look great, I just mean...."
or "Wow, your new haircut sure looks - um, different."

Especially, though, I must insist that you refrain from the following:
"When are you due?"
or "I didn't realize you were expecting!"
or "So, are you pregnant again?"
or even "You sure look great...for having [insert number] kids."

Such statements are, to put it mildly, just plain ignorant. Perhaps you don't understand the hurt inflicted by those words - if that's the case I'm guessing you are one of those people who is always fashionable and slender. If so, please know that I harbour no ill will (you bag).

And though you may make insensitive statements on occasion, I assure you that I will continue to use great discretion when speaking to you. I promise never to reciprocate by saying:
"Man, those clothes must have cost a fortune. Are you guys loaded?"
or "Golly, it must be nice to be so darn skinny! What's your secret, are you anorexic?"
or the ever-insulting "I sure hate girls like you, who look great all the time/ who look normal after having a baby/ etc."

All my love, kindness, and only thoughtful words,
Tyler

P.S. No, you fools! I am NOT pregnant! Thanks, though, for making me feel like a blimp. I will now go home and stuff my face with cookies and cake to soothe my injured ego. (ahem)

6 comments:

  1. Those comments come JUST when you start feeling kinds good about yourself, too. Just because I have had 4 kids pretty close together doesn't mean you get the right to try to "predict" when the next one comes! =) So funny! The (you bag) part made me laugh.

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  2. I totally agree about the insensitive talk of others. The hurt can last a very long time.

    I noticed that your picture was no longer under my followers. I hope I didn't say something to cause that!

    Have a great night!

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  3. Oh, my gosh, you are so funny, and so right! Really, can anything be much worse than a back-handed compliment?

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  4. Hi, again! Thanks for stopping by my blog. Honestly, those huge savings only happen once in a while. I average maybe 30-40%. But it takes a while, maybe a few months, to get there. The big trick is that you stock up on things when they are at their cheapest, instead of buying them at full price when you need them. Once you have a nice supply in your pantry or freezer, you'll see savings, too!

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  5. Foot in Mouth disease is so awful...and I have been at fault to do that one at times too...sometimes may be even both feet in all at once...but never with the examples you have given...
    How insensitive people(women) can be at times...
    But I am reminded to just love them back or have a quick comeback...

    No I am not pregnant either!!!...I was just asked that at church yesterday...
    Give me a break people...lol

    Have a blessed long week-end

    Nadine

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  6. I try very hard to watch what I say for that reason. But I like to be honest too. So it is important to pick our words carefully.

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