"Dentopedology is the science of opening your mouth and putting your foot in it. I've been practicing it for years."
I was astounded to find that Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh is the author of that quote. We must be related. I would have thought that, given all the years that Prince Phillip has been a public figure, that he would have learned how to cope with this problem, but it seems not.
Close to 20 years ago, I had to attend the funeral of a close friend. Her children thanked me for coming, and I murmered that it was my pleasure. The words were barely out of my mouth when I must have looked horror stricken. I apologized immediately, and beat a hasty retreat. Later, I sent a letter recounting my favorite memories of her, hoping that their lasting memory of me wouldn't be for my social gaffe.
My best advice to you is to apologize swiftly and sincerely, and then change the subject!
I've learned the hard way to be cautious about what I say in e-mail as well. I have a quick temper, and usually my first response to a difficult situation is one that needs to be stifled. It's fine to write that mail and get the irritation out of your system, but wait for a day before sending it. If you've inadvertently sent an inappropriate message to the wrong person, or even worse, to the person you were writing about, there's nothing to do but fess up. When possible, do it in person, rather than by e-mail. It could just give you the spring board to clear the air concerning the situation that lead you to write the e-mail in the first place.
Trust me.....I've learned from experience!
Comments (3)
...dear sweet buffy, over here in the good old u of k prince philip is seen as something of an accident waiting to happen...I realise that we are supposed to hold the royal family in some sort of awe but occasionally you might find the odd briton who is a republican [please note the small r...there is no way I am politically similar to mr. bush :^)] and refuses to treat the royal family with anything but the contempt they deserve...and I am willing to argue any point :^)...but it might interest you to go here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1265627.stm (I know, if I was bogie I would know the html and make it a link - but I'm not)...it covers some of mr. windsor's oddest comments but let's never forget that this is a man who was at one stage head of the wwf (world wildlife fund - nowt to do with wrestling) and at the same time was regularly going on hunting trips :^)...[phew! I reckon I managed to keep me comment slightly smaller than the original post :^)]...
Posted by billy | August 18, 2003 3:37 PM
Posted on August 18, 2003 15:37
Good GOD! I'm surprised they don't lock him in a closet. The worst of it is that his sons seem to be following in his footsteps. No wonder you don't think much of your leadership.
Posted by Buffy | August 18, 2003 6:36 PM
Posted on August 18, 2003 18:36
Oh my... oops to that funeral slip up. I have to agree on the email thing... sometimes it is so much better to hold off a day, or at least some hours before sending. Same too with verbal discussions... sometimes I have to seperate physically from hubby (or sometimes others) to avoid saying things that will be regretted later.
Posted by Desiree | August 19, 2003 3:51 AM
Posted on August 19, 2003 03:51