August 14, 2009Poison Phrase: Parties without pickles
This phrase comes from the movie “Because of Winn Dixie.” When a guest brought pickles to a party, the hostess said, “It wouldn’t be a party without pickles.”
Another guest said,
- I’ve been to lots of parties without pickles.
This is a hilarious example of someone listening and speaking too literally. The character in the movie made a save by adding,
- And not one of them was any fun.
The hostess had spoken to acknowledge the thoughtfulness and tender intent of the guest, and the first response took that away by being literal. The offender did catch himself.
My husband and I use this example to remind each other when we’re listening with our analytical minds when we need to listen with our hearts. We’ll mention
- parties without pickles
to get the other to lighten up.
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What a GREAT story!! And what a good save. Thanks again, Meryl, for reminding us to be aware of what we say, and how we say it!
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Comment by Pamela Atherton — August 14, 2009 @ 1:28 pm