Wednesday, 18 July 2012

slip of the tongue

It was 7.45 this morning and I was coffee-deprived when the following conversation took place while waiting for a meeting to start.
Junior Doctor: Hey, Illanare, I'm sorry I haven't got back to you about when I can commit to a week of teaching.  I wasn't sure what my availability would be (lowers voice) as my wife is pregnant.
Illanare: Oh, congratulations!
Junior Doctor: Thanks!  Yes, I didn't feel like I could commit to teaching until we had the 12-week scan.  That was last week and everything is fine, actually she's 13 weeks now. It feels like we had to wait forever for the 12 weeks to pass.
Illanare: (whose few functioning brain cells are only thinking about coffee) yes, the first trimester can feel like it goes on for twice as long.
Junior Doctor: Ah, so you have children!

I was back in the moment with a bang and had no idea what to say.  After what seemed an eternity, I mumbled "er no, I don't" and then thanked a god I no longer believe in for the meeting chair calling us all to order.

I was off my guard and so ended up blindsided.  What would you have said?
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7 comments:

  1. The Barreness19 July 2012 at 01:36

    You did perfect, I usually say no, I don't.

    If pressed, "We tried for a long time but it didn't work out for us".

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  2. Wolfers19 July 2012 at 04:36

    "nope, but I have been there with friends or family who went through pregnancies" with a smile. Although hadn't been asked since the surgery. *knocks on wood*

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  3. cdg19 July 2012 at 12:54

    I think you did fine. I depending on who it is, I usually say the same- but what I am working on is eliminating the mumbling part or for me when I stumble on mu words and look at my feet- I am trying to just say it strongly and then move on.
    hugs to you always

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  4. Jem19 July 2012 at 13:54

    (0)

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  5. Barren Babe19 July 2012 at 18:43

    I would have said the same thing. He must be bright enough to clue in that something horrible happened to you after that reply.

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  6. Lisa19 July 2012 at 18:55

    ugh. so hard. i think your response was perfect.

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  7. ~stinkb0mb~20 July 2012 at 03:58

    "No, but I have been pregnant, numerous times".

    Blunt and to the point. I don't dance around the houses anymore, if it makes people uncomfortable, too bad.

    I think you handled it fine - were YOU happy with your response?

    xx

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