Thursday, April 16, 2015

Stay Out of the Shade


     Less than subtle insults have been around since the dawn of man. Even the nicest people are subject to them without fair warning. When faced with such rudeness, you have a decision to make. Should you stand in the sun or throw a little “shade” of your own to the offending party?

     I’m reminded of an incident in college when someone attempted to block out my sunshine. I was with my friend, Miguel and we were heading to our college’s courtyard to meet up with some mutual acquaintances. It was a gorgeous day that begged to be enjoyed. As Miguel and I spoke to our friends, I noticed an unfamiliar face. Sensing this, my friend, Julian decided to make an introduction.

     “Crystal,” Julian said. “This is Nina.”

     “Hi, Nina. I’m…”

     “Demps,” she interrupted. “I’ve heard of you.”

     The stage was set and we were merely players. I couldn’t pick this girl out of a line up and she was pitching me attitude? Game on.

     “I like your sunglasses, “she said.

     “Thank you, “I said thinking the situation was perking up.

     “My sunglasses are knockoffs too, but they’re cute.” She said with a grin.

     Miguel shot me a look. He’s been my friend long enough to know this wasn’t going to end well.

     “Mine aren’t fake. I got them from Neiman’s,” I said.

     “What’s Neiman’s?” she asked puzzled.

     “Exactly,” I said narrowing my gaze.

     “Okay,” Miguel said sensing imminent trouble. “Julian, we’re gonna get going. I’m starving and Demps could use some water to cool off.”

     I confess, I’ve always been good with one liners and quips. It’s genetic. Wit is a requirement on my mother’s side of the family.

     “I thought you were going to scratch her eyes out,” Miguel said as we headed to the car.

     “She started it. Besides I wouldn’t ruin my polish on her.”

     Insults are sometimes unavoidable. No matter how blatant or subtle, they’re still insults. How you react is completely up to you

 

 

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