Bub is absolutely right in his analysis of the smart thing. I think he also understands that when Betty says “if you don’t want to .., I’ll understand”, she is lying. So he believes he is being put in a box. This is an example of a woman trying to passive-aggressive manipulate her man into accepting a fraternal duty on her behalf, rather than being frank with him about what she wants from him. And most men, myself included, resent this. I also confess that I have not always been so frank with the women in my life, so there is an element of “people who live in glass houses” about my rant.
Alex is Betty’s best friend. Betty is afraid to read the book because she thinks it will be bad and she doesn’t want to lie when Alex asks her how she liked the book. Her husband doesn’t talk to Alex so he can do the “proofing” and tell Betty if it is good or bad. Because Betty doesn’t want to have to resort to little white lies with Alex. You know about little white lies – your wife asks how she looks in a new dress and you say “I like it” even when you hate it. Now that’s passive-aggressive. And besides – this is just a comic. Not a commentary on middle-aged white men and their fear of strong women. How’s that for a rant?
Someone I know wrote a book. I had been reading the drafts and didn’t like it much. Then came the inevitable “how did you like the book” question along with posting reviews on websites. I was diplomatic.
Pharmakeus Ubik over 2 years ago
Save yourselves.
whahoppened over 2 years ago
Make it LOOK like it’s been read and stick it on the shelf. But know damn well you’re going to have to comment on it! G-o-o-o-d luck!
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member over 2 years ago
Bub is absolutely right in his analysis of the smart thing. I think he also understands that when Betty says “if you don’t want to .., I’ll understand”, she is lying. So he believes he is being put in a box. This is an example of a woman trying to passive-aggressive manipulate her man into accepting a fraternal duty on her behalf, rather than being frank with him about what she wants from him. And most men, myself included, resent this. I also confess that I have not always been so frank with the women in my life, so there is an element of “people who live in glass houses” about my rant.
cmcbride0562 over 2 years ago
Alex is Betty’s best friend. Betty is afraid to read the book because she thinks it will be bad and she doesn’t want to lie when Alex asks her how she liked the book. Her husband doesn’t talk to Alex so he can do the “proofing” and tell Betty if it is good or bad. Because Betty doesn’t want to have to resort to little white lies with Alex. You know about little white lies – your wife asks how she looks in a new dress and you say “I like it” even when you hate it. Now that’s passive-aggressive. And besides – this is just a comic. Not a commentary on middle-aged white men and their fear of strong women. How’s that for a rant?
mourdac Premium Member over 2 years ago
Someone I know wrote a book. I had been reading the drafts and didn’t like it much. Then came the inevitable “how did you like the book” question along with posting reviews on websites. I was diplomatic.