Another Half-Penny Thought

Written by

michael raven

in

Tagged:

michael raven

I sometimes wonder what prompts people to answer questions which were never asked.

I think back to myself, “Did I ask anyone about their preferences when it comes to pie? No. I only mentioned I had a slice of apple pie with my lunch.”

And yet, someone tells me: “I am totally not an apple pie person, I can’t understand how anyone could ever eat apple pie because apple pie is gross.”

I scratch my head and say the only thing that seems sensible to say:

“Cool story, bro’.”

I sometimes have to fight the urge to flash two thumbs up.

Is it just me? Or do you encounter these kinds of random responses when you make otherwise neutral statements?

It’s not as if I said, “Everyone must love apple pie! Apple pie is the best pie of all pies ever made! Fight me if you think otherwise!”

share:

25 responses to “Another Half-Penny Thought”

  1. Stacey C. Johnson Avatar
    Stacey C. Johnson

    Lol I love this. Spot on, Michael. : )

    Reply
    1. michael raven Avatar
      michael raven

      Thanks!

      I seem to attract “apple pie haters”… Maybe that says something about me.

      Reply
  2. chrisnelson61 Avatar
    chrisnelson61

    This is very true, and often experienced. I don’t know, perhaps people assume that you are asking their opinion?
    Here’s a bug bear of mine – people who answer ‘yes’, as in ‘How are you feeling?’, ‘Yes, I’m good.’ Have they misunderstood the question, or is it a grammar thing?
    Answer on a postcard…

    Reply
    1. michael raven Avatar
      michael raven

      Ahh… The whole incongruent response to a direct question thing drives me bonkers as well. Unless it is me doing it for comedic (or possibly deflective) effect. 🙂

      Perhaps they assume that I am asking a question. But I strongly suspect they are often more interested in making certain everyone knows that apple pies are evil.

      Reply
      1. chrisnelson61 Avatar
        chrisnelson61

        Yes, good point; ‘it matters not what you say, here’s what I think’.

        Reply
  3. missparker0106 Avatar
    missparker0106

    Look at it as a conversation starter. The commenter is letting you know they’ve thought about what you said and care enough to start a discussion about it. 🙂

    Reply
    1. michael raven Avatar
      michael raven

      That’s a positive spin.

      I just find it off-putting when people start their conversation with me by taking an extreme position.

      Reply
  4. Raven Avatar
    Raven

    I love pineapple upside-down cake. I haven’t eaten it since I quit sugar. Apples to apples I guess. (I couldn’t help it. Yes, I’m smiling big but with twinkling eyes so you don’t despise me and know my hearts in being a kid, immaturity and all).

    Reply
    1. michael raven Avatar
      michael raven

      🤣 perfect.

      The only place people put pineapple that I dislike is on pizza. 🤢

      That and when they sprinkle shredded cheddar on it for fruit salads….

      Where was I? 😉

      Reply
      1. Raven Avatar
        Raven

        Yes… you called it. I’m that type that would put pinapple on every pizza. Fruit salad with cheddar? Ick! There’s far better choices like, whipped cream and cottage cheese.
        You were at apple pie enjoyment and another taking a swipe at it.

        Reply
        1. michael raven Avatar
          michael raven

          Thank gods we have a variety in opinions to keep things interesting. I would much prefer it if people kept the “fight me” tone out of their opinions.

          Thank you for the chuckles. 🙂

          Reply
          1. Raven Avatar
            Raven

            It isn’t any fun when opinions turn into tones of anger and frustration. That’s for true. Hah! Variety in Gods and opinions. Nice. 🙂

            Reply
  5. lodestarwytch Avatar
    lodestarwytch

    I think the the two thumbs is very diplomatic…I must admit my middle fingers are the ones that come to mind often 😂

    Reply
    1. michael raven Avatar
      michael raven

      🤣 two finger salute FTW!

      I generally try to be diplomatic, but occasionally your approach settles things quicker.

      That’s the problem with diplomacy. It can be so slow to get results.

      Reply
  6. lyndhurstlaura Avatar
    lyndhurstlaura

    Look upon it as them doing you a favour by letting you know upfront that they’re not worth any further communication. They’ve said that ‘apple pie is gross’ as though it’s a universal truth, which it’s not – that’s just their opinion. Hence they’re not a person who respects the opinions of others, plus they’re rude in insulting your food choice. Pay them no further attention, don’t honour them with any sort of response. 😎

    Reply
    1. michael raven Avatar
      michael raven

      I have learned that I’m sometimes just being sensitive, so I always respond (real life and online), but typically with a nonresponse, if that makes sense. That way, no one can accuse me of being rude. 🙂

      Reply
      1. lyndhurstlaura Avatar
        lyndhurstlaura

        Perfect sense – and your caring about what such people think of you just proves your well-mannered sensitivity. 🙂

        Reply
        1. michael raven Avatar
          michael raven

          Thanks!

          Reply
  7. shredbobted Avatar
    shredbobted

    I’ve noticed that I do a lot of free association. I think that could (and sometimes does) come across as rude, but it could just be my mind speaking before it has time to think—or it could be a way of trying to assert dominance. Self examination, anyone?

    Reply
    1. michael raven Avatar
      michael raven

      Free association had a different feel to it. It’s less assertive.

      “I never much got into apple pie, but man, have you ever tried fresh key lime? That’s the bomb. Did you know that the Brits were called limeys because…”

      See what I mean?

      Reply
  8. shredbobted Avatar
    shredbobted

    Game theory😜🕴

    Reply
  9. Bob Avatar
    Bob

    Between friends an off beat response is usually pretty funny. But I know what you mean about the awkward response otherwise…are you listening at all or trying to be witty? usually not very well.

    Reply
    1. michael raven Avatar
      michael raven

      Maybe that’s the problem. That there is an assumption that we are friends, which makes someone feel like they have license to try to be witty or snarky. I am so not very good at reading people at times.

      Reply
      1. Bob Avatar
        Bob

        Or maybe they’re not good at deciding to reading when to make a snarky remark?

        Reply
        1. michael raven Avatar
          michael raven

          That could be too.

          Reply

Leave a comment. Markdown use is permitted.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More posts