Saturday, December 11, 2010

"Wow, I am SO out of shape!"

SHE SAYS: "Wow, I am so out of shape! I need to get to the gym!"
YOU THINK: "Well...

a) "... yes, finally! Go lose some, puh-LEASE."
b) "... honey, I think you're perfect; here, have some more cake."
c) "... Jim?!? Jim who?! Woman, you cheatin' on me?!"
d) "...okay, me too; haven't been in ages."

This one is pretty obvious, but it is representative of a whole slew of statements from girls that ask, or seem to ask, to be contradicted. As a general rule, when a girl bemoans the future effects those éclairs will have, she probably isn't really thinking about what you are going to say, she is just thinking about the éclairs; unless she is really insecure, this isn't fishing for compliments. But, this is the sort of question that can lead to rather ticklish answers. If you think a) is an option, I applaud your honesty and hope I never meet you. Even telling her that she is hott stuff and that working out is sooo unnecessary probably wont get you a great response, because if she is honestly thinking her health, protestations of sexiness are not really all that relevant (though perhaps not unwelcome either). Don't tell her she needs it, or that she doesn't; that is up to her. Making it instead about you is generally a pretty good answer; although if that is your solution to everything than you run the risk of earning the Self-Absorbed-Prick title (beware). This is the kind of statement that should not be a big deal, so don't make it one.

Essentially, this is a good way to treat compliment-fishing of any form. When anyone, male or female, makes intentionally self-deprecating remarks to get attention, contradicting their bull shit won't help them OR you, and going along with it is, while occasionally tempting ("Wow! You've convinced me, you in the size-zero-jeans; you really ARE fat. Happy now?") is often less than kind. Girls usually say things like that because they are scared it's the truth and are desperate for assurances that it is not, but if they are asking you if you think they are fat, they have almost certainly asked someone else before, and your answer isn't going to convince them either, so don't bother strenuously contradicting their silliness. It doesn't hurt to be kind, however, and if someone is whining about exercise or their weight they probably just want a little support, so give it to them without belittling or insulting them. :)

2 comments:

  1. If I ever (un)consciously fish for compliments... deep-down I probably mean, "VALIDATE ME PLEASE."

    A) with touch of sarcasm, B), C), or D) would all be acceptable responses, though. (Humor helps.)

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  2. GOTTA GET ME ONE OF THEM JIMMSSS!!! Mygolly that's genius. I second that, blow off such comments with flair. We'll love you much in return.

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