Some salvaged chatting

Technical difficulties kept today’s chat from happening, but I did get a few questions in–so I’ll answer them here:

Where is the proper place to place one’s purse when at a restaurant?

Wherever it is most secure and least in people’s way.

A friend of mine wrote a one-act play, and asked if I would give her feedback (you can probably tell where this is going already)–I agreed to it, of course, and the play in question turned out to be a VERY far out work–I do not understand anything about it. I love the occasional Erik Ehn-esque strangeness, but I’m not at all sure if there is even a point to her piece. I am at a loss for how to give her notes at all. “There are some moments that are so poetic, but I’m not entirely sure I’ve grasped the concept” is as best as I come up with. That seems incredibly inadequate feedback for someone’s labor of love. Any advice?

Ask questions! “What are you going for in this scene? Who were your influences? What is Character X’s motivation?” In general, though, prevention is the best solution–don’t ever offer to give someone feedback, or agree to a request for same, unless you know they can take feedback.

This one is from my parents – One of the women in their social circle has recently taken to a more affectionate greeting for my father (hug and kiss). Of course, he didn’t notice, but my mother has! Is this one of those situations where someone simply feels closer to another, and thus greets them more warmly? Or should everyone start kissing? Advice?

No one is obligated to get into a sort of affectionate arms race simply because Helen Handshake decided to come all over European. Keep on as you were. In the unlikely event that she is making some untoward gestures of affection toward your father, it will drive her crazy if no one notices.

My question is kind of silly: it’s about how to be “sociable” when people are brushing their teeth in the women’s room at work as I’m washing my hands. I say hi, and try to keep it at that, because their mouth is otherwise engaged– but the silence seems kind of awkward. It seems too formal to leave it just at “hi” with people I have a good close working relationship with, so I add a little equally-as-awkward comment about how they’re my good dental role model for the day and how I should be brushing after lunch too. But that seems kind of weird to say too. Yes, I’m probably overthinking this. How should I handle this? Thank you!

Are you frequently overcome by the desire to make small talk with people who have dental implements in their mouths? If so, you might consider training as a dental hygienist. If you just like talking to anyone whose mouth is full, becoming a waitress might also work. (Yes, you are overthinking this. “Hi” is sufficient, then pay as much focused attention on washing your hands as your coworker is to brushing her teeth.)

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