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Have you even unknowingly put your foot in it?

(5 Posts)
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SpinDriftCoastal Sat 16-May-26 11:04:55

I used to ask people I met by chance 'How is your mum? How is your dad?' Then a time came when they would say 'Mum died last year'. and I would have to say: 'I am so sorry to hear that'. Now, I just ask 'How is the family?' or 'How is it going?'. It avoids all the embarrassment of asking a question that may upset them. I also ask if people have pets as it avoids the 'Do you have grandchildren?' when their children may be trying for a baby with no success. One woman said to me:'What a shame you don't have grandchildren?' I asked her: 'Why?'

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Bazza Sat 16-May-26 11:20:50

What sticks in my mind from years ago is my asking a friend if she was pleased with her new nose after surgery, being positive that others present knew she was having it done. They didn’t. 😱. I’ve never forgiven myself although hopefully she’s forgotten.

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MawsRosie Sat 16-May-26 11:30:15

Surely it happens to everybody?

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Esmay Sat 16-May-26 11:38:42

I have been asked several times by one person ,"How's my father?"
Telling her that he's passed doesn't seem to sink in.
The one question that has filled with dread is wondering if someone is pregnant or fat .
I have made that mistake once .
I felt absolutely terrible over it.
She laughed.

An occasion that sticks in my mind that was very funny .
A few years ago -at a church lunch one of my friends ,who had been sitting chatting to our Vicar suddenly turned to her and asked "What do you do for a living ?"

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JaneJudge Sat 16-May-26 11:43:48

unfortunately it seems to be my default setting

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