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What she said

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Condescension is manufactured self praise. Two things might happen. Sometimes a person wants to say “I’m great” but for that to work, the others must be low impact. (I discussed this in Envy and GOYA). Or, one insignificant aspect of the other person is used to judge them as wholly incompetent in all matters.

Bamboo

Case in point? A fine arts conference I attended this past week. After surviving a two hour planning meeting, which I co-chaired, I realised I was missing a painting session in the park. Then, it occurred to me I was only a ten minute drive from the restaurant of two friends. It is a visual spectacular stuffed with beautiful antiques.

I invited a colleague to join me. At the previous year’s conference, she was nice to me. She had not packed her lunch, so I thought she would like a delicious meal in a unique setting. Five minutes after later, I knew I had made a huge mistake. The first face slap came after I told her I confirmed the reservation, so I couldn’t rescind the invite.

Joy's kitchen

I used a PLUG for the rude remarks, but she was a slinky on an escalator. What she said: Below are the highlights.

12.40 You drive?!?!?!

12.41 Do you want me to drive? Are you okay driving a car??!

12.44 Where are we going?!!! Do you know where you’re going?

12.45 Did you get your license HERE??!?!??!?

12.48 You are driving like a wild person. (The driver in front of us has swung out in front of me and I am forced to brake suddenly.)

13.25 You’ve started eating already.

Clown

13.30 This restaurant is so beautiful. I feel bad eating here because we are attending a work conference.

13.43 You’ve finished already.

13.47 That’s a take away dessert. You must not eat it now!!

13.59 This biscuit is delicious. You can’t have flour? But it’s yummy. Mmmmm…. Hmmmm? (I am gluten intolerant).

14.01 (I quietly pay for lunch. This causes her to feel guilty about something).

14.02 Oh!!! No. I …  It’s …

14.06 (I realize I’ve left my umbrella). You’re a careless girl. People are inconvenienced by you. (It’s my friend’s shop, and they don’t care about that stuff).

14.09 You are able to paint? (NB: This is an fine-arts conference with over five hundred participants and I co-chaired the morning session).

14.20 (End of ordeal and time for a walk in the park.)

By ΠιCΘLΞ

Life is short, so let’s be decent.

47 replies on “What she said”

Thank you. It doesn’t always work as planned and that’s why I wanted to show that in an imperfect world we sometimes have to say “let’s end this here” and mean it.

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By Post Author

She sounds thoroughly awful. I’m so sorry your kindness was returned with such a slap. I hope you will go back, and soon, with someone far worthier or your time.

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Thank you so much for that last line. I needed a laugh. I was crying inside and as I was at work, I had to be professional about responding. What stung was the “this is not appropriate”. This restaurant is my home, almost, and the owners are like my parents. So the shock was immense. Thank you for your support.

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By Post Author

It hurt to read this. There’s something so particularly painful about sharing a favorite spot, and especially wonderful food with someone who just isn’t there with you.
And I’m bummed! Comments are closed on “Envy”. It’s brilliant–jam packed with ideas.

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Thank you so much for reading and understanding my feelings. I wanted the beautiful backdrop of nature and art to contrast with the senseless and ugly reactions to a gesture of friendship. I was in tears on Wednesday evening because I wanted to share some photos, but how can I hide the fact that occasionally, a kind gesture is met with retaliation. I might have to keep repeating myself, but one day this nonsense has to stop. Why not share your thoughts on Envy and I’ll guest post you? You know my email address. You’re a treasure, Nadia.

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By Post Author

You know what’s even worse? That the backdrop was a fine arts conference, where you missed painting because of a planning meeting. It’s like walking through a maze where every turn takes you into a darker alley.
And I’d be honored to share my thoughts Envy with you. I’ll be back soon.
(Don’t let idiots make you cry!!)

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