A Compliment, But… November 2, 2009
Posted by indigobunting in Uncategorized.trackback
I recently received this e-mail from a friend relating a dinner conversation with his wife and son (names have been changed [obviously]):
Oh, the looks I got from Zelda tonight at dinner. Scott said, “Dad, the garlic bread is really good, but the crust is a little too crunchy.” Zelda said, “Scott, you should never use but in a compliment.” Of course I added, “Unless the compliment is, ‘Hey, nice butt!’” Scott thought this hilarious. Needless to say, Zelda did not.
Route 153 
I realize it’s against the spirit of this post to take it seriously, but oh, if my early compliments had had not “buts,” what a different person I might be today.
I meant “no ‘buts.'”
Lali – That would have been a fine post, but you made a minor error. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
By the way, Indigo, was that an intentional Fitzgerald reference?
Interesting moral — and one I’ll pass on to my kids, Daisy & Nick.
And what was F. Scott’s first name anyway?
Dona – I believe his full name was Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald.
Wayne, yes, it was arbitrary but deliberate. And you’re right about his full name.
Oh those Fitzgeralds. Even their small talk is not.
Lali, I meant to note a shiver of recognition to your statement!
Helen: Indeed.
zelda had a fine butt. and she knew it. and i don’t think she would mind a bit if people pointed it out.
but…i get your point.
Laurie—and I get yours!