What should I have said?

[Katharine]

Last night I was out at a dinner and someone I met there said 'I belive you work with xxxxx'. I agreed that I did.

"He would have been my son-in-law had he married my daughter"

I really did not know what to say next - most unusual for me!! I know nothing of xxxx outside work, where he is very reliable. Had he broken daughter's heart and left her? Are they partners now but unmarried?

What would you have said?

[sejintenej]

Last night I was out at a dinner and someone I met there said 'I belive you work with xxxxx'. I agreed that I did.

"He would have been my son-in-law had he married my daughter"

I really did not know what to say next - most unusual for me!! I know nothing of xxxx outside work, where he is very reliable. Had he broken daughter's heart and left her? Are they partners now but unmarried?

What would you have said?

He could have been my husband if I had been that stupid
or
I'd have had him but my husband objected
or
Pity your daughter was already married
or
Lucky girl - what an escape

(well, you did ask )

[Angela Woodford]

Last night I was out at a dinner and someone I met there said 'I belive you work with xxxxx'. I agreed that I did.

"He would have been my son-in-law had he married my daughter"

I really did not know what to say next - most unusual for me!! I know nothing of xxxx outside work, where he is very reliable. Had he broken daughter's heart and left her? Are they partners now but unmarried?

Did he say "had he married my daughter"? That might indicate that they are together but unmarried. But otherwise I think I would have parried with "XXXXX? Of course - he has been most effective working on our deschumphricator project!" and watched to see if his face went enthusiastic or glum. Then taken it from there -

A delicate moment!

Munch

[J.R.]

I usually employ the politicians tactic on an occasion such as this by answering the question with a question.

[sejintenej]

I usually employ the politicians tactic on an occasion such as this by answering the question with a question.

That is a statement so what is the question, Mr R?

[J.R.]

I usually employ the politicians tactic on an occasion such as this by answering the question with a question.

That is a statement so what is the question, Mr R?

In Katherine's case, she was presented with a question:

"'I believe you work with xxxxx'."

My reply would have been.

"Why do you ask ?"

Puts the questioner on the back foot straight away.

[Angela Woodford]

I usually employ the politicians tactic on an occasion such as this by answering the question with a question.

That is a statement so what is the question, Mr R?

In Katherine's case, she was presented with a question:

"'I believe you work with xxxxx'."

My reply would have been.

"Why do you ask ?"

Puts the questioner on the back foot straight away.

But JR, that's a statement. The speaker didn't say "Do you work with XXXXX?" And what about "He would have been my son-in-law etc" Statement again!

Listen to me arguing with the police! I'm going to get out of it by claiming to be menopausal....

Munch

Oh look, DBTS is here - David if I get to 500 posts, may I have half a poem?

[J.R.]

Then in that case, maybe I'd have replied.....

'Mind yer own effin' business !'

(I never did like nosey people, anyway !)

[marty]

In this instance you were talking to a parent of the would-be bride. I'd be inclined to point out how much expense they had been spared by the wedding not taking place...