5 Questions That Need to Be Banned from Casual Conversation

5

Asking Someone Who Doesn't Own Their Residence: "Have You Considered Buying?"

Some of you might be too young, too rich or too poor to realize how much has changed in the last four years. The global recession is no joke, and most people outside of those extremes are hurting in a new and exciting way. (The very poor are still hurting in the same way.) Politicians call it the middle-class squeeze -- because politicians are stupid. But the point is, everything hit the fan a few years back. Unemployment rose, energy prices rose, services were cut and the real estate market fell apart.

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Also, Fall Out Boy stopped making music.

4

Asking Parents With Two Kids: "So, You're Done?"

It's funny. Most people avoid discussions of abortion, and with good reason. Even I, someone who likes to go on and on about the value of debate, draw a line on that one. Motivations are just too firmly entrenched to have a productive conversation. But almost no one seems to mind asking deeply personal questions about parents' procreative choices. My wife and I have three children: boy, girl, boy.

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This is not us or them.

After my daughter was born, do you know how many people asked "So, you're done now, right?" The answer is ... I don't know, a lot of people. Was I supposed to keep notes about that sort of thing? I was playing with our new baby girl. I didn't know there'd be a final exam. Anyway, apparently I'm in the minority, but it never occurred to me that the purpose of procreation was to get a matching set.

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Eeew, one's the wrong sex. Throw it back.

3

Asking Someone Who Lost Something: "Did You Check the Lost-and-Found?"

If you've ever owned something, you've lost something. It's always a drag, but when it's irreplaceable, either because of finances or its unique nature, it's particularly sad.

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"Oh, I don't know, I didn't mind losing ... MY VIRGINITY!" (Shut up. Loser.)

2

Asking Someone Who's Looking for Work: "Any Leads?"

Getting fired or laid off is a drag. Don't worry, your career in reading Cracked columns on the crapper is recession-proof, but take it from me that getting laid off is no fun -- even when you're let go for having male genitalia that is "just too damn impressive for the workplace."

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Not a metaphor. I'm seeing a doctor.

Anyway, the best way to show interest in how your laid-off friend is doing is by getting him or her an interview. But sure, asking how they're doing is a completely acceptable thing to do. So you'll say something like "Hey, got any interviews coming up?" In this marketplace, they might well reply with something like "No."

Here's what you shouldn't ask next: "Hmm, well, do you have leads at least?"

What does that mean? People ask that question perhaps forgetting that those of us who need to work to stay alive aren't particularly lazy about looking for work when we're out of it. If we had a lead, we wouldn't sit on it for a few weeks like a fine wine and then submit our resume when the mood strikes us just right. When you're out of work, you gobble up leads with sent resumes.

1

Asking Someone Who's Lost a Loved One: "Was It Sudden?"

No one knows how to deal with death. It sucks. It's awkward. It makes for bad conversation. Judaism actually has some tips for dealing with the bereaved, and one of them is shutting up. Well, at least not being up their ass. Instead, just come over, bring some food so they don't have to worry about cooking when they're grieving, and be around for them when they want to speak. (Oh, sorry. I keep forgetting that some commenters get annoyed when I mention that I'm a Jew because, y'know, it's bad form, I guess. Oddly enough, how many of those people would get annoyed if I were Irish and talking about my experiences at wakes?)

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Oh, just you three guys? Free your minds, dudes.

Anyway, it's pretty good advice, because there's nothing you can say, really. Still, we insist on trying, and murmur, "Was it sudden?"

How could that possibly help? What are you hoping for? If they respond "No. My nanny was suffering in intense pain for nine years," are you going to say "Good! At least her suffering is over"? Or are you hoping they go "Yes, my Uncle Fred never saw that falling safe coming" so you can say "Well, it's good he didn't suffer"? Much like a Fleshlight or a person at an information desk, this question might seem like a good idea, but it's totally unnecessary. (And covered in semen? I'm not sure. Not my best metaphor.)

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