Since my week of confessions seemed to be so well received, I thought I’d make it a weekly feature on Fridays. And no – I’m not concerned that I will run out of material. I have enjoyed a full 36 years of embarrassing myself. So here is my first official Friday Confession:
I never give anyone someone else’s love.
I think we can all say that at least a few times a week, if not more, we encounter the request, “give [insert name here] my love.” It’s almost a formality. Something people say to be polite, like a pleasant send off. A token to prove that they care.
As proper as I tend to be, I’ve never really done this. At best, I ask that someone is informed that I said “hi.” I’ll never ask you to send anyone my love. And if you ask me to do it – well, I won’t.
Of course I say I will. That’s all part of the ritual. But to me, it’s more like a “how are you/just fine” exchange. It’s not that I’m purposefully thwarting etiquette. I just never remember to follow up. It’s a sin of omission. And I feel better for confessing it.
I think that this deserves some kind of penance as well (oooh – should this be part of my weekly feature? hmmm – we’ll see). So in addition to making my sin known to the virtual world (that counts for something right?), I will make a concerted effort to be more diligent about this and always tell people when someone I know has sent their love (unless I forget).
But in the spirit of more immediate gratification for anyone that knows me well: Oh, by the way – [insert name(s) here] send(s) you his/her/their love!
Have a great weekend. And tell [insert name here] I said hi.
The Big Piece of Cake
Never settle for a small one, and demand a corner piece with a flower.
I don’t think I’ve ever done that in my life, and I always find it weird when I’m on the receiving end of the “by word of mouth” love.
-“Lauren sends you her love.”
-“…yeh”
During which, I’m thinking, “Am I supposed to send it back through you, as if you were the string between our respective tin cans?”
It’s worse than someone blowing a kiss, which can actually garner a response, through semaphore, or some such thing.
Anyway. I have a similar confession.
I never say bless you when someone sneezes.
Now, I sneeze a crap load. I do it every day and I do it a lot. I don’t need a blessing. It’s a sneeze. It’s natural. No demons involved. No need for heavenly intervention.
It’s like someone saying mazel tav when they hear a fart. A nice gesture, once, maybe, but greatly lacking in much sense.
You would never survive in the deep south, where you always send a thank you note– even if it is to family. haha.
Ha, I’ve already sullied the flower of southern maidenhood. I dare not cross the Mason Dixon.
Haha. I never do this either. I’m notoriously accepting the task and never following through. My mom sends love to Ben every other day, but he only hears it about once a year – from her.
Ah – it's the Matt & Christine show! You crazy kids – welcome back!
It's good to know that my family stands behind my rebel ways.
And Matt – I promise to never say "bless you" again (I mean to you – I will continue to bless everyone else when they sneeze.
Christine – We have discussed my opinion about thank you notes to family (other than grandmas of course). Never EVER send me a thank you note (I'll return the favor).
Ainsley – since I was replying to my brother and his girlfriend a minute ago – I missed your comment. Hate to make anyone feel like I don’t care – now that I’m an outed love withholder. I’m glad that I’m not alone.
Yes, but do you “show me the love” when requested? LOL!
You made me think about this and I don’t have many people sending their love through me, I wonder if I should be concerned about this.
I participate in the ritual and rarely follow through too. Because you’ve publicly confessed your sin – you are forgiven. ;)
I bet you were a Girl Scout… (that’s not a dig – it’s a good thing)
Me too…what a great confession. Who can remember to actually pass along someone’s “love.”
Instead of telling people to give them my love I say something like, “Oh, and tell Earl he’s a fat ass.” This kind of message always is relayed, and you know, Earl knows I’m thinking of him.
I’m going to follow your example and I will not tell blank you said hi so there :)
HA! I am always telling my Dad to ‘give Mom a hug and kiss from me’….something tells me he is NOT doing as I ask!
I don’t do that either! It just feels weird for me to say it. I’ll tell someone to let another know that I said hello but that’s about it.
It’s weird to me…not sure why!
EatPlayLove – Maybe everyone thinks you (like me) can’t be trusted to pass the love on. Or maybe they think you’ll be so eating and playing that you won’t get around to the love.
Chris – I have never been a girl scout but I was a brownie for year. Since that didn’t have much of an impact on me – I would guess that my need to confess things comes from years of Catholic school.
Anastasia – As usual…it’s like looking in a mirror…
Mike – Next time I talk to my mom, I’ll be sure to tell her to tell my father is a crazy bastard. I’m sure Dad will be pleased to know that I’m thinking about him.
Suzie – That hurts – but I guess I deserve it.
Connie – Try the suggestion above. Then maybe she’ll pass on the message. Mike seems to be having a lot of luck with this.
Stella – We must be cold people.