OT: trying to be diplomatic

I only wish I were as quick to think of a good comeback! I'm really good at thinking about what I SHOULD have said hours later, but it kind of loses its impact then.

Wow, so many responses.....

Well, DH and I've talked and talked, we are going to play it calm and just let them tie themselves up with their stories. I suppose after reading all the responses and checking out the web links, that we just look at them with pity, they are a sad pair.

They've spent all their lives not wanting to get old, but not actually living their lives. They spend most of their time discussing who died and left their money to whom..... It is far easier to criticize others than actually do something themselves. I know that could sound bitter, but after taking them out on my own for the day, and all they did was argue with each other, be rude to each other and other people, I thought "why do I care what they think?" They just ain't worth it. I've seen better behaved 6 year olds!

I have the feeling that we will part the ways and that will be that. They are so uncomfortable in our presence, I think that all talk of moving to be near here will stop soon - mainly cause we are not reacting either way & have stopped playing their game. Their holiday has actually turned out good for us, made us realize how more secure in ourselves we feel and actually we have left them behind in our other life we used to have in the UK.

Only one more week left then they go home. C'est la vie.

Janner France

If you physically hit her with a heavy object and/or knocked her unconscious, then yes.

Unless there's some new usage I'm not familiar with. (I AM among the tragically un-hip.)

Polly, your 'cold-c*ck' of the family bully was much gentler than she deserved. You did nothing but state your truthful response to her rudeness. Why do people have to be mean? It just stuns me how far some people will go to hurt others. I bought some clothes today and the young woman checking me out and I chatted about trying to find 'bigger' sizes to fit (I'm size 16 now and hate, hate, hate it). She said sometimes people are mean and I asked 'Is your family mean?' and the poor girl (said she's 22) started to cry. She said she's desperately trying to lose weight but her entire family constantly rants at her about her weight and lets her know that she's unattractive and unhealthy. I felt so bad for her. No one should be treated cruelly by the people who are supposed to love them. Family should mean safety and kindness and acceptance.

Sunny