I heard once that if you preface any kind of derogatory remark with “Bless his heart” the blow is neutralized.
“Bless his heart, he’s an embezzling, deceitful, lazy alcoholic.”
See? It kind of frames him as the victim, bless his heart.
Natalie tries something similar. She feels that if she begins a remark with “No offense but” anything is allowed. When she says, "No offense Dad but…” I duck for cover because the gloves are coming off.
“No offense Dad but your breath could peel paint.”
“No offense Dad but you’re kinda creeping me out.” (I was just doing a happy jig.)
“No offense Dad but that food looks gross.”
Don’t worry, none taken. I learned long ago not to take offense at what my children say. (But I am also learning to use mouthwash more regularly, cook better, and dance less.)
3 comments:
bustin' a gut over here.
peel paint!!! hahahaha!
i always want to try tpo remember to bless people's hearts more, but i forget!
You are partially correct; the "bless his heart" must come AFTER the derogatory remark.
"She is dumber than a bag of rocks, bless her heart." "Dad, your breath could knock a buzzard off a manure wagon, bless your heart." Somehow, the tagline reduces the damage.
George Lopez suggests using "now I don't mean that in a bad way" as a means of softening the blow. "That guy is a low-down, dirty rotten skunk--now I don't mean that in a bad way...."
"No offense..." works in a pinch though.
Post a Comment