Last fall, I was invited to a small group lunch outing with a few women I've known for years. I didn't realize how uncomfortable I'd be with one woman's very strong personality in a small group. She's been an acquaintance for a long time, and I guess we'd only gotten together in larger groups before. Any way, I couldn't wait for that lunch to end. Recently I was invited to another lunch with the same women, and while I enjoy most of them very much, I am hesitant to join this particular group again because of the one rather over-powering woman. This is not like me. In most situations I'm very comfortable and adept at steering a conversation toward a topic of common interest. With this particular woman, it is extremely difficult to get a word in edge-wise, and with a small group, generally there's one conversation going, rather than multiple conversations. I think that the icing on the cake for me last time was when this woman inquired about my work arrangement, since having my son. I explained that I was working part-time and mainly out of my home; her reply was "must be nice." Of course since then, I've thought of numerous retorts to that comment, but at the time I was dumbfounded. 99.9% of the people I tell about my work arrangements are incredibly positive and supportive. I almost didn't believe what I heard. I'm sure this only adds to my lack of desire to attend an outing with her again. I'd really like to visit with the others though.
I bet that most men don't analyze social situations this way. What is it with women?
Oh, yes. I am the Queen of thinking of the perfect response 30 min after a conversation like that.
Next time, Marie, just smile devilishly and say "Oh, yes, it is very nice".
Posted by: Mommak | Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 01:18 PM