Banned Phrases
Yet another well-intentioned (read: PUSHY) e-mail from my maiden aunt. There's a link to a "Professional/Business Singles Network" or something like that, with her commentary underneath:
That second sentence pisses me off. Sorry, but there's no other way to describe how it makes me feel. I hear it a lot, especially from her. How much would I love to tell her that just because she doesn't see me dating doesn't mean I'm not "out there"? I went on a number of dates in the past year, only I didn't mention a single detail to her because I did not want to be interrogated (because that's what she does, interrogate and give unsolicited advice). And the more jerks I've met, including being somewhat stalked recently, the less I've wanted to be "out there." Besides, I've been doing other things, like, I don't know, doing a lot of schoolwork and working a full time job, and working on my novels and setting up a new home. Things I want to do. She doesn't see or understand any of this. It's a no-win situation.
When I followed the link it said that the demographic was "late 30s, 40s, and 50s." Granted I do tend to hang out with people either significantly younger or older than I am, but I'm a little fearful of the real proportions that show up at their events. She's a young-looking 50 and extremely outgoing so it's no issue for her. And spending an evening with her is entirely unappealing, anyway, but I can't tell her that. I can't tell her anything. So I gritted my teeth and typed "Sorry I missed it because I wasn't checking e-mail while on vacation." That's right, dearest aunt, I was on vacation and did some stuff I liked. Maybe it wasn't up to your standards but I had a good time and I'm sorry it's ending tonight.
Maybe it's the fact that I'm becoming more comfortable with the idea of "it'll happen when it's supposed to happen" that the "get yourself out there" phrase really bugs me. If I had a nickel for every time I've heard it in the past three years, I probably would've been vacationing farther away than NJ. I think I'd rather have a pity afghan or two for my trouble.*
Anybody else have a phrase or two that should be banned? The word must be spread.
*WordGirl gets the credit for the pity afghan concept but darned if I can find the reference entry where she used to blog!
Wanna go to Y_______ on Monday night? Get
yourself out there, [childhood nickname only family permitted to use]. I
love the food there, anyway!
That second sentence pisses me off. Sorry, but there's no other way to describe how it makes me feel. I hear it a lot, especially from her. How much would I love to tell her that just because she doesn't see me dating doesn't mean I'm not "out there"? I went on a number of dates in the past year, only I didn't mention a single detail to her because I did not want to be interrogated (because that's what she does, interrogate and give unsolicited advice). And the more jerks I've met, including being somewhat stalked recently, the less I've wanted to be "out there." Besides, I've been doing other things, like, I don't know, doing a lot of schoolwork and working a full time job, and working on my novels and setting up a new home. Things I want to do. She doesn't see or understand any of this. It's a no-win situation.
When I followed the link it said that the demographic was "late 30s, 40s, and 50s." Granted I do tend to hang out with people either significantly younger or older than I am, but I'm a little fearful of the real proportions that show up at their events. She's a young-looking 50 and extremely outgoing so it's no issue for her. And spending an evening with her is entirely unappealing, anyway, but I can't tell her that. I can't tell her anything. So I gritted my teeth and typed "Sorry I missed it because I wasn't checking e-mail while on vacation." That's right, dearest aunt, I was on vacation and did some stuff I liked. Maybe it wasn't up to your standards but I had a good time and I'm sorry it's ending tonight.
Maybe it's the fact that I'm becoming more comfortable with the idea of "it'll happen when it's supposed to happen" that the "get yourself out there" phrase really bugs me. If I had a nickel for every time I've heard it in the past three years, I probably would've been vacationing farther away than NJ. I think I'd rather have a pity afghan or two for my trouble.*
Anybody else have a phrase or two that should be banned? The word must be spread.
*WordGirl gets the credit for the pity afghan concept but darned if I can find the reference entry where she used to blog!
Comments
I get the "Get your self out there." comment too. It doesn't bother me much except when from my "free spirited" aunt. What this really means is that because I commute to school I am a shut in that will never be "a real college student" and somehow therefore never get married and be "normal".
Glad you had a good vacation!
I really feel sorry for all the single ladies who have to put up with this from their own family.
Just now the song "Don't you know, it's different for Girls" has come into my head, and won't leave.
:-)
W
Also? The constant questioning - first about where you're going to college, what you're going to do after college, if you're engaged yet, when are you having kids?
STOP RUSHING EVERYONE.
How about we ban "finding myself"? Too often used to excuse complete laziness. Here's an idea - if you wish to find yourself, get off the couch and start looking, hm? You're not going to find yourself on World of Warcraft.
The "good" news is they all gave me up for dead when I turned 30, so no more questions. Or anything else. *srednop*