GoodAfternoonTea
For me, it is a sort of 'bail out' phrase when there is nothing else to say. It isn't really a Sorry to hear that or Oh dear, it is sort of Aw Bless recognition that a situation needs some sort of endearing reaction. I usually raise my eyebrows if someone says that to me as much as to say Indeed!
My pet hate isn’t what people call me, it’s the word ‘patronising’ itself, partly because I’m not completely clear what its actual meaning is! Could someone please explain?
For example, how can it be patronising to tell someone you like their dress, but that was mentioned on here recently, and the poster was not happy. Why? Someone else objected strongly to having a door held open for them! I rest my case.
So much is moaned about now. You can’t say or write anything without someone getting their knickers in a twist. It drives me mental.
Can we truly not pay anyone a compliment any more? That is pathetic.
The world has gone mad and I think it’s possible that places like this make things worse. Gransnet and similar, (much as I love GN) give some professional moaners a soapbox to air their grievances, however trivial. I am not saying that all the things people post are trivial, far from it, but you have to admit, some are.
I will now stand back and wait to be roundly criticised!