The art of a long life requires more than regular doctor visits and a few tummy crunches. To stay out trouble or avoid disappointment, one needs to be a good listener. As a student of our English language, I’m aware of how often words are used to hide rather than reveal meaning. Just for fun, I’ll close the week with a few of my favorite obfuscations.
To tell the truth, I tell you frankly, I’m being perfectly honest, You can trust me. I’m a Christian. If a person has to convince me he’s honest, he probably isn’t.
Do you have a business card? When asked by a politician, this question is never flattering. In a week or two I’ll receive a request for a political contribution.
We should get together sometime. Without a specific date, the phrase as one of avoidance.
It’s not about you; it’s me. When someone says that, it really is about me.
I really hate to say this, and This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you. No explanations needed here. We all know what these phrases mean.
I call these forms of communication “quack-quacks.” Anyone care to share his or her favorites?
(Courtesy of www.anxietymadewell.com)
