Continuing the 'writers I like pretty well' series, and keeping the advice column theme, here's a selection from Dear Prudence, published on Slate.com.
My comment on the letter you're about to read: It's one thing if it's someone you know who's concerned about you. It's when it's people you don't know, or if you're working, say as a cashier, so you can't tell them to fuck off.
Dear Prudence,
How do you respond to someone (a total stranger) who, out of nowhere, tells you to smile—or remarks on the lack of a smile on your face? (........) When it's happened to me, I know I've felt offended. I don't want to be rude, but they're out of line, aren't they? I just would like to know how a person is supposed to respond to these people.
—Smiling When I Feel Like It
Dear Smile,These commentators are strangers? What's up with that? Prudie thinks a proper response would be nonverbal communication. Something along the lines of knitting your eyebrows together, narrowing your eyes, and making the slightest sneer, all while cocking your head to a 45 degree angle.
—Prudie, huffily
See? She's brief. Classy, yet blunt. And it's a good answer.
I think I'll continue the series with Savage Love, if I can find something that works for the space.
See that's what I mean, CN, YOU can tell me to cheer the fuck up, I don't mind, it when weirdo strangers do it that it creeps me out!
ReplyDeleteFR - your wish is my command. you can't see me, but i'm totally not making a face at all. \
you guys should post something. and make nate update his blog too! does he like the new job? he started this week, right?