I'm not even sure I'm using "foibles" correctly. Wait, let me look it up.
Hmmm..."a weakness in character" my dictionary says. I don't mean it as judgementally as that. Maybe this would be better titled "people with idiosyncracies". ("a personal peculiarity" - that's better!)
OK. Some random people things today.
First - a Spectator article that entertained me enormously on Saturday. The scene - a husband and wife in a loving and committed relationship go on a long-anticipated vacation together. On the first day, the wife breaks her foot, thus effectively ending the vacation. Husband inexplicably changes personality as a result. Wife decides to speak the husband's language - he's a lawyer - and she lovingly serves him notice of his breach of contract of the "love and cherish in sickness and health" part of their marriage vows. You can read it here.
Second - another Spectator article, by someone people-watching in a restaurant. As an avid people-watcher, who has been caught staring more than once, I thought this was funny. He has category titles for the different kinds of people. You can read it here.
Third - not an article, just my experience today. Telemarketer called the office during staff meeting. Since I was in the middle of staff meeting, I politely but quickly interrupted, and thanked him for calling, but explained that I was not interested in whatever he was selling. He started talking again. I politely but quickly said, "Excuse me, are you selling something?" He said, "Yes." I said, "I am not at all interested. Thank you." He got a little crusty, and said, "But ma'am, why won't you just hear me out, and at least give me a chance to tell you..." and on he went. I gave him about 5 seconds, waited until he took a breath, and then said firmly, "Thank you, but as I said, I am not at all interested. We don't need a credit card. Our business finances are taken care of. We are not interested." And at that point, I realized that he had already hung up, not even bothering to thank me for my time.
I think that's rude. THAT, my friends, is a FOIBLE at least on the part of the company who tells him to treat me like that. And I know we've all been there. At home, I don't answer those calls. At work, I don't have the option. And I understand that they get paid by the sale, but it really ticks me off when they demand that I not hang up on them (even though I'm trying to do it politely) - and then - they just hang up on me!!!
That's all for today.
Oh, here's a fun question. What other phrases could I have used, in place of "ticks me off"?! Non-cussin' phrases please, keeping in mind kids read this sometimes, but feel free to use your creativity. If you make me laugh, my irritation will dissipate!
