A Parting Shot

Well christmas eve dinner at Mom's was pretty uneventful for the most part. There was one vigorous conversation about banning assault weapons. My brother-in-law is a retired army colonel and I'm a liberal gun owner who accepts restrictions on military style weapons availability.

As we departed and embraced for the obligatory hugs my sister whispered in my ear "May god bless you." I considered it a cheap shot as she knows my position on theism is unwavering. My mind nearly wasn't successful in preventing my tongue from retorting "You mean like he/she/it blessed those Newtown kiddies?"

0 members like this

Comment by _Robert_ on December 27, 2012 at 8:20am: Just for grins I tried to play Socrates at a xmas dinner party. I really upset some people and I did not even care. In fact, simple questions were less well received than statements. The radius of my social circle is diminishing exponentially.

Comment by Umbra on December 27, 2012 at 12:21pm: How often do people say "bless you" when someone sneezes? I still say it as a politeness and at mouths easier then "good health".

I've been blessed by other people as well. I take no offence to it because they mean well and try to show gratitude by something meaningful to them.

I've been called a good Samaritan on the odd occasion. It makes me grin because if they who I am would they still call me that?

Did your sister take it as a slap in her face or did she keep quiet knowing she evoked your retort?

How would the evening have worked out if you would have said; "You know sis that blessings are meaningless to me".

Comment by Marc on December 27, 2012 at 12:30pm: I say 'salute' instead. It means (to your) health. I've said something as people expect, and they probably think it means bless you in Italian.

I don't want to accidentally be an asshole, only when I'm intending to be an asshole.

Comment by Ed on December 29, 2012 at 9:42am: @ Umbra

I did not retort despite my tongue's desire to break loose like a herd of stallions just released from a corral. HAHAHA

Comment by Ed on December 29, 2012 at 9:46am: @ Jared

Or you could look them in the eye with all seriousness and say "I am god." After a few moments of awkward silence you could then start your maniacal laughter. This might have a negative effect on sales though.....

Comment