A few years ago I got to a dinner party late due to a series of unfortunate events. There was only one seat left-I hated to be the one to make the table look uneven (now I could care less so don’t stop inviting me)- and it was beside people I don’t particularly like. I didn’t create a scene but sat down at their end dutifully. I made light conversation asking them about hockey schedules with their boys , school, trips, and the weather. Just when I was about to fall asleep with my eyes open, they jumped into my personal life. How was I managing? When would I be putting my house on the market? Was I lonely? How was my sex life?
It is important to mention that these people are mere acquaintances and somehow while I was only on their front porch asking politely for a cup of sugar, they were upstairs trying to rummage around in my underwear drawer.
I smiled. I looked right at them and said “How are you managing? When are you going to put your house on the market? Are you lonely? How is your sex life?
I got a small bit of wicked pleasure knowing my answers-which I never gave- were likely better than theirs.
I am often stumped by people asking such bizzare things. This is a very useful and much more satisfying approach than standing there gobsmacked. Thanks!
Pingback: unsolicited advice « my family is not broken