Top Ten Things to Never Ever Say Out Loud

I’ve Got a Big Mouth Photo http://www.winwes.com

 

Originally posted on August 17th 2015. Still seems to make sense.

***

This list was inspired by hearing many things said in an out-loud voice that would have been better kept to the inside. Hope you like it.

Top Ten Things to Never Ever Say Out Loud

10 Never say out loud, “When is your baby due?” If you do, at best, the person will give you a time of expected delivery but a frown for asking a personal question. At worst, you will be apologetic for making the assumption of motherhood when, in fact, the person has a different condition that the non-recognition of same requires numerous hits about your head and body. (And you thought that umbrella was on account of the rain forecast)

9 Never say out loud, “Do you smell something?” If you do, at best, those around you will wrinkle their nose and assume you are an animal. At worst, big Brutus, who is behind you, will think you are making fun of the fact that he works on an oil rig such a slight will become apparent to you on your way to the ER. (Brutus has some sensitivity about smelling like oil although he has not mastered the art of bathing)

8 Never say out loud, “It’s my turn.” If you do, at best, you will have someone choosing to disagree. At worst, the crowd behind you in line will sense the insecurity of such a statement and push forward in an attempt to eliminate your position in line. (You should not say it even if the clerk asks, “Who’s next?”)

7 Never say out loud, “My, you have a healthy appetite” If you do, at best, you will call attention to the fact that the person ate quite a bit. At worst, you will demonstrate your lack of social grace, and someone might hand you a well-deserved knuckle sandwich. (Which will be 100% fat-free.)

6 Never say out loud, “Is that appropriate wear for a date?” If you do, at best, you might be responsible for the opening salvo of a great teen war. At worst, you might be told that what is worn is nobody’s business and what are you going to do about it? (The next move and ultimate fault for the episode are yours.)

5 Never say out loud, “You out of razors?” If you do, at best, there will be some additional comment about you not liking a particular look. At worst, you will come to understand that razor use is now part of certain banned behaviors of a back to nature group. (That you had no idea existed before now. How do you like my AK47?)

4 Never say out loud, “I hear you’re in Weight Watchers.” If you do, at best, you can expect an unwelcome comment about your weight. At worst, you could be on the receiving end of an invitation to engage in an unnatural act with yourself. (And we are not talking about spanking.)

3 Never say out loud, “Did you have a choice of color?” If you do, at best, the subject of your humor will not laugh with you.  At worst, you might be on the receiving end of some very critical comments about your lavender-colored Ford Focus. (And you know you had a choice.)

2 Never say out loud, “Your children are certainly a handful, aren’t they?” If you do, at best, you will have precipitated a great test of will on the part of the parent. At worst, you will understand what it is like to pick on a baby bear cub. (Running up a tree is probably the best solution.)

1 Never say out loud. “You don’t eat meat. What’s wrong with you?” If you do, at best, those who don’t eat meat will avoid you like the plague. At worst, several Professional Vegan Wrestler Society members will provide a free message, and you will agree there is nothing wrong with people who choose to avoid eating meat. (Admit it you never felt so relaxed. Too bad you can’t feel your feet.)

81 comments

  1. Sorryless's avatar

    I had no blessed idea vegans had a wrestling society going. We have officially reached the point of no return now.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Their big folks too. 😳

      Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Should have been They’re. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

    2. Invert City's avatar
      The Devil Unbound · ·

      Isn’t the movie Fight Club about vegans?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. John W. Howell's avatar

        Never saw it so I don’t know.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Invert City's avatar
          The Devil Unbound · ·

          Neither did I 😉

          Excellent article!

          Liked by 1 person

        2. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you, 😊

          Like

      2. Sorryless's avatar

        Haha! You know what? You are onto something . . .

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Seemed that way.

          Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Harmony.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    There are times when it is best to keep one’s mouth shut, although with #2, it might involve biting one’s tongue until it bleeds.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hahaha. Thanks, Liz.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    Lol! I say #9 often! I have a keen sense of smell.😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good to be warned, Jill. 😁

      Like

  4. Dan Antion's avatar

    I did the equivalent of number 10 – once. Great list, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m sure we all have. Thanks, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Thinking this list could keep going for a long time. So many things that are better left unsaid.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You are so right, Charles. Thank you. 😊

      Like

  6. GP's avatar

    Number 2 needs to be said once in a while. When I ran Macy’s processing team I was usually ‘behind the scenes’, but there were times on the floor I wish I could have corralled a kid or two!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can imagine. Seeing running up and down with no parents in sight.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Teri Polen's avatar

    I’ve seen #10 turn into a very awkward situation a few times. Your list sure holds up, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Hilarious! 😂 I missed the first time around, so this was side-splitting and on some points, a little too familiar. Great job, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. This is a segment of “I wish I hadn’t said that,” list. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Hilarious, but true, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Jan. Glad you got a laugh.

      Like

  10. John Hric's avatar

    What ever you planning on saying remember to conclude with the phrase ” Did I just say that out loud ? ” with a tone of complete astonishment.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good way to cover up. “I’m just sayin'” has that effect too.

      Like

  11. coldhandboyack's avatar

    You should write etiquette manuals.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hahaha. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. noelleg44's avatar

    I liked all of these – good advice. My response would be a muttered ‘dumbass.’

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hahaha. I agree with you, Noelle.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Debbie's avatar

    Oh dear. These are definitely thoughts one should keep to oneself. Thanks for the refresher, John — I think I must’ve missed it the first go round, but you’re right — it still holds up!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debbie. Glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    These made me laugh, John, especially the Are you pregnant one. I’ve seen people make that mistake more than once. It is very embarrassing all around.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is. Gotta wonder why folks still ask. Thanks, Robbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Very funny! I especially like #2 as it seems to be okay for a parent to say that about their own child, but they don’t find it amusing when someone else does.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes indeed. Have to be very careful. Thanks, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    I think I’ve heard a few said to me and I believe a I’m guilty of saying a couple. Thanks for resharing this list, John 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Denise.

      Like

  17. Dale's avatar

    Yes, I think it is best, in pretty much all these cases, to keep one’s mouth firmly shut!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Or keep the foot in there from the last faux pas

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Yes indeed!

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    First off, I love JACKIE GLEASON. Seeing Ralph made my day.

    I love number 1 about eating meat since I can relate not being a flesh person. It all started when I bonded with a cow and that was it for me so I’d be on the other end.

    I’ll add 2, how I loathe misbehaved kids whose parents pretend they don’t notice. I’d have to bite down on a pencil not to make a snark remark, this non-beef eater, that once made a helluva martini. It’s all so related, isn’t it,

    I noticed this is current, and not from the Howell Archives, 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is all related. I used to be a beef eater and stopped in 1991. I still make a helluva martini so I can relate to how well it goes together. This was from August 17 2015. I think you might have missed that under the Jackie Gleason photo. He is a favorite of mine as well. Thanks for the comment and visit.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        I saw today’s date so I guess that’s what confused me.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    Great list, John! Definitely, these are all things no one should say out loud. I’m guilty of having to bite my tongue when wanting to ask someone if she’s pregnant. I might ask someone who might know, but I’ve heard too many stories of people making the wrong assumptions 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      😁 I learned very early on that who or who’s not pregnant is there business and none of mine.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Andrew Joyce's avatar

    “Do you want to know why, Alice? Do you really want to know why? I’ll tell you why. It’s because I got a BIG MOUTH!”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      🤣 Alice don’t forget I’m the king and you’re nothing.” ” Big deal Ralph you are king over nothing.”

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Joan Hall's avatar

    A lavender Ford Focus, huh? 🙂 And definitely take care what you say around vegans. They are one group who truly believes their way is the only way and try to convince others of that.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes indeed. The wrestling team is especially huge.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Becky Ross Michael's avatar

    Very entertaining, and I love the vintage photo:)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Jackie was a favorite of mine in the day. Thanks, Becky.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Becky Ross Michael's avatar

        This was a fun show, that’s for sure!

        Liked by 1 person

  23. shoreacres's avatar

    I’m often tempted toward #2, although it’s better that I keep my mouth shut, since I probably would phrase it somewhat differently.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m with you. Better not said at all. Reminds me of the time I was on a flight to Hawaii with Dick Benjamin and Paula Prentiss. The kids were fine it was Dick and Paula that needed to STFU.

      Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for sharing, Michael. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

        :-)) Thank you as well, John!

        Liked by 1 person

  24. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    Thank you for this very useful posting, John! A very good list for me. :-)) Enjoy a wonderful day! xx Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you. Have a wonderful day as well. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

        Thank you as well, John! Greetings also to Lucy and Twiggy. 😉 xx Michael

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          They say Hi back. 😊

          Like

  25. Jennie's avatar

    Professional Vegan Wrestler Society. You are Mr. Humor, John. Loved this!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you kindly, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        You’re very welcome, John!

        Liked by 1 person

  26. Resa's avatar

    LOLOL!
    I adore these posts.
    I don’t eat meat. No follow up, after the comment. I get why people eat meat.
    I’m not a veggie snob. However, I would love to embrace all who do eat meat, in the reality of respecting life, and the despicable practice of factory farms.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I haven’t had red meat since 1991. Also we try to eat vegetable protean every other day. so there is that. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Sounds great! xo

        Liked by 1 person

  27. srbottch's avatar

    Great observations, John, and your choice of Gleason for the picture was perfect. That character was ‘ the greatest’.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      He was for sure. Thanks, Steve.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    You mean, no development in the world in the last 6 years? Our leaders will be very unhappy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes they should hate themselves.

      Like

  29. markbierman's avatar

    I know someone who did #10, and was wrong. (no, not me:)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A friend I’m sure.

      Liked by 1 person