Every once in a while (often) I say something that is perfectly ridiculous. Two Sundays in a row, I’ve proven myself to sound less than brilliant talking to people at church. Just in case you ever do something similar (although I’m sure you never, ever do)…I thought I’d share these stories with you. I’d hate for you to ever think that you were alone in saying something ridiculous.
Let’s begin with a story from last Sunday.
If you recall, last Sunday was Mother’s Day. From the moment we arrived at church, everyone was wishing all the mothers a happy Mother’s Day. Much of our service was centered around motherhood and celebrating women. The children got to get up at the end of the service and get a flower to bring back to their mothers. It was lovely. I was feeling loved, appreciated and cheerful.
The service ended and we all began greeting each other. The person sitting in the pew in front of us turned around and said to me, “Happy Mother’s Day, Laura!”
Out of habit (because I had been saying it all morning), I returned the greeting with, “Thanks!! You too!”
Which was so, so kind of me. Except for the fact that the person who greeted me and wished me a happy Mother’s Day was a MAN. And also he was not a mother.
We had a nice chuckle together. At my expense. Hey, it’s easy to do. You know…like when you’re going on a vacation and your friend says to you, “Goodbye! Have a great time on your trip!” And you say, “Thanks! You too!”, even though they aren’t going on a trip. You know you’ve done it. (Please say you’ve done it!)
Skip ahead now to this Sunday.
We had just finished our Bible study time. We were visiting with people in the foyer before going into the auditorium for worship. I went to the “great meeting place for women”. You know…the bathroom. Really, if you want to be sure to greet the womenfolk at church, just go to the bathroom between class and worship. You’ll find them there.
Anyhoo.
I greeted all the ladies that I always see about one time a week in the uh…same place each week. Then, I saw Ruth, whom I don’t normally see in the bathroom on a Sunday morning. Delighted because it was such a surprise to see her there, I brilliantly said, “Oh! Are you here today?!”
This brought a nice laugh from all those who heard because…yes, of course she was there today. See? There she was, right there. Today.
Hey. She knew what I meant. Her husband preaches each Sunday in a town several miles away and she usually goes with him. I don’t usually have the pleasure of seeing her at church on Sundays. And there she was! Right there. Today.
Ah, fun times.
It just occurred to me that I’ve never shared the story of my sleeves. Brilliant conversation, it was. You know you want to hear that one now don’t you?
Tania says
Thank you for making me laugh first thing on a Monday. That first one really cracks me up–but probably even more so because I have done that so many times. Funny how stupid that can make you feel-especially when you don’t realize you did it until your walking away from the person. (-:
Michele says
My second job is in retail. When a customer is finished checking out, I generally thank them, tell them to have a good day, and tell them to come back again. Soooo many people just respond with “You too!” I always laugh – if I don’t come back, it probably means I was fired!
Michele says
I am still giggling! Cause I did the same thing to a man last weekend! All we could do was laugh! Thanks I needed the laugh this morning!
Lenetta says
I blame it on the fact that, living in a tiny town, I rarely see people. I mean rarely! So, yeah, I do this sort of thing all the time when I DO get in public.
Jennifer says
I’m so thankful for that laugh! I’m glad to know I’m not the only one, too. :-) Your post and the comments from the others really tickled me.
Cindy says
DONE IT!!!! Too many times, unfortunately! I came across your blog on Saturday and I can’t stop reading it…you have totally inspired me…especially to cook healthier for my family. Yesterday I even cleared out my pantry of all my cheap coupon items with yucky ingredients!!
Karen says
I do the first one at the movies all the time. The ticket taker says “Enjoy the show!” and I say, “Thanks, you too!” and then think “Oooooh, you’ll just be out here, won’t you? Sorry to rub it in!” Every. time.
Meyser says
*smile* The “you too” stories are still countable (if that’s a word). The zillion times I said “oh, sorry” to my kitchen table, front door or desk when I walk right in to them, well,,, my partner cries his eyes out laughing because I do that EVERY time…
Deanna says
I always respond with a “You too!” when told to enjoy my movie by the ticket taker at the theater. I always roll my eyes afterwards. I can’t believe I fall for it every stinkin’ time!
Sue says
What’s wrong with wishing a MAN a happy mother’s day? He should have a great day, even if he isn’t a mother or for that matter, a woman.
But, I must admit, I have done the same thing.
Yesterday we were at our daughter’s wedding shower, and the father-in-law to be came up to shake our hands and said, “Merry Christmas!” WHAT? I don’t know where his mind was, but it was at the shower in MAY!
jamie says
Oh. I thought it was just me who said things like that. :0)
So looking forward to reading about the sleeve story!
Prairie Chick says
aw, that’s not so bad! I was worried you were going to say “You too!” to someone struggling with fertility or something. That would have been a lot worse, at least with a man you both could laugh =D.
Here’s a prairie wave from Canada… I’ve been following for a bit, but haven’t yet commented, you hooked me with your high five recipes and such practical tips!
Cheri says
I think I could top your conversation, when we went to the funeral home of a neighbor as we were leaving I (stupidly) said, “thanks for inviting us to the son.” I am pretty sure they did not invite us or would have wanted to. My only excuse was that we had been to so many neighborhood gatherings since a bunch of us were new to the neighborhood (and wanted to meet) and that comment was what I typically said when leaving. Duh!
Cheri says
I should have asked you, “do you feel better now?”
Beth@Not a Bow in Sight says
I have found myself analyzing my conversations at church as well…wondering what I must have sounded like to the other people! LOL!
Jenn @ Beautiful Calling says
Oh, I can so relate! My biggest oopsie happens Sunday nights or Wednesday nights. I am so used to saying “good morning” that on those days when the usher or when Pastor greets me with good evening – I always end up saying good mornigng (*duh**)Then wonder what is wrong with me!
I also used to be a receptionist and one day I had a whole bunch of extended family over and my home phone rang…I was busy and distracted adn immediatly answered “good afternoon Patriot Forge” and all my family burst into laugher. UGH!
Jenny says
Ok I am DYING laughing. Yes, I do this all the time. The worst, ever, though, was when the lady at the doctor’s office called to confirm an appointment the other day, and at the end of the conversation, I said “Love you bye” just like I do to my husband. I just quickly hung up the phone and pretended it never happened!
elaine says
Laura~ You are hilarious! Thanks for being so open and transparent. It’s obvious from all the comments that we all say things that qualify for the “Here’s your sign” line :)
I haven’t had a chance to jump in anywhere else and say thank you for your blog — so I will do it here. I love every bit of it (can’t count the hours I’ve spent poking around). Your stories tickle me, your recipes inspire me and your story about your mom made me cry. Thank you for the time you invest in this.
Christy says
Oh my goodness!!! I’m LOL at Jenny’s “love you bye”.
Travelin Pilgrim says
That is too funny, because I did the exact same thing on Mother’s Day! I was wishing I could rewind and start over, but we had a good laugh anyway!
Rachel Going says
Laura, I had the very same thing happen with a man on this Mother’s Day too. We laughed. xo rachel
Katherine says
Love this post, and definitely want to hear about your sleeves :) I do this kind of thing all the time! Saying amen instead of goodbye on the phone…I can definitely relate!
Lindsey in AL says
My favorite is when the ticket-taker at the movie theater says to enjoy the show and I always respond “You too!”
My trouble with church is that I have a hard time recognizing people out of their proper context. I can see someone from church at the grocery store and have no idea who they are, just because they’re in the wrong setting :P