CallaFirestormBW
Posts: 3651
Joined: 6/29/2008 Status: offline
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There is a 'pat' phrase in our household, to be used for 'repetitive' requests or 'cranky' requests, because sometimes I'm on medication and forget that I've already asked for something, or my Darling has low blood sugar and gets irritable about something or other... "Yes, Ma'am".... that doesn't mean "I'll go do it right this very instant". In our household, it's perfectly ok to say "yes Ma'am", and then come back after we've had a meal (if Darling is crabby) or talk to Darling (if I've forgotten I already asked 3 times for something), or bring us a cup of tea with a "you seemed like you could really use this", then, when we're settled and thinking more clearly, say "Ma'am, I have a question about X..." I don't know where people got the idea that the very -instant- an order is given, it is immediately carried out without a second's thought. Even at work, when I'm handed a project, I take a little time to read it over and make sure I understand what I'm being asked to do, before I start doing anything. Why would it be any different for a servant? If there is a question about something, ask, for heaven's sakes. "Gee, Master -- if I jump off this cliff, I won't be here to bring you breakfast in the morning... I think I must have misunderstood something. Did I understand you correctly?" (PS, If he still says "jump", it's -also- perfectly ok to say "Yes, Master", and then jump off the front porch step and hie one's behind right out the door and down the street to the bus depot or the women's/family shelter or the nearest church ... or police station, if you're so inclined.) Taking the garbage out is a no-brainer... but being asked to do something dangerous -- if anyone says they'd do it without a moment's thought... I'm sorry, but that fish is -way- too big for me to swallow. Calla Firestorm
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*** Said to me recently: "Look, I know you're the "voice of reason"... but dammit, I LIKE being unreasonable!!!!" "Your mind is more interested in the challenge of becoming than the challenge of doing." Jon Benson, Bodybuilder/Trainer
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