To think we are out own worst enemies

Sorry absent. I'll shut up in future.

I think these phrases are usually used to lighten the tone/let some wind out of the sails. They are not supposed to be taken seriously.

If you've said it jeni – and you should know better – you are a long way from being alone.

I think you are being OTT, absent, and need to chill a bit on this issue.

People can call me barmy or a silly old woman as much as they like. It doesn't make me either of those things. I can just laugh. Besides, it's nothing to do with age.

How often have you heard "You don't have to be mad to work here, but it helps".
Dead common. Used as a tension snapper.

Yeesh!

I might be thick but why would a box of frogs be mad ?

But I see absent's point - if we call ourselves these things, those without inagination or a sense of humour could take us at face value.

We are , of course, invaluable, not valueless, however much we seem to deprecate ourselves.

I've often wondered where the phrase comes from.

Does anyone else have frogspawn in their pond yet?

I see absent's point as well, but I'm wondering where her self-confidence is if she's bothered by such trivia.

harrigran If you were shut up in a box with a lot of other frogs, wouldn't you be hopping mad?

Calling oneself daft things (and not really meaning it ) also shows other people that you can take a bit of teasing and can laugh at oneself.

I have done some silly things over the years that has had nothing to do with my age , its just me ! But I have learnt from some of the silly things I have done !

bagithahave just been in garden(first time since last summer) no frogspawn!
I now exhausted. 11 steps down to first level!

I'm really quite cross now that anyone could find time to be so mean to people who are just trying to be friendly and calming.

Take it easy, jeni and don't mind the grumps. xx

jeni you be careful on those steps and don't slip can't have you falling again take care !!!

I was! Don't worry. Gary my Gardner cum handyman has fixed a second rail for me.
Have you got spawn already?

My son refers to me as being 'A tough old bat!' He speaks the truth. I am amused!

I don't take myself too seriously - why on earth should I? I know I'm anything but stupid, as do my family and friends. My son often calls me a 'daft old bat'! I do not have a problem with that - he says it affectionately and sometimes is quite right!

I think women put themselves down far too much. I'm with absent. It is a bit like Irish people telling jokes about thick Irish people. Plenty of people in the world willing to put you down without you joining the throng!
Bagitha you are still a young, well at any rate middle-aged, thing in your 50s!

Frankenstein's monster here from hosp bed - my lovely man snuck in laptop -
I now have hole in head and hooked up - Rather be loony old bird and alive thanks.

How are you, Butternut?