DEAR MISS MANNERS: I love my dad to death. However, whenever my wife and I come to visit and we’re eating a meal, he makes a big point of saying to my mom, “Sure is good!”
This is generally only seconds into the meal. The implication is that we should have said something first.
I have at times tried to solve this by quickly taking the first bite and then beating him to the punch with the first compliment. Conversely, at other times I’ve not said anything, to let him know he can’t pressure me. Argggh!
GENTLE READER: If you have to gulp your food to get in a compliment before your father, then he is not trying to change your behavior -- at least not successfully.
He is, however, being quite successful at irritating you, and this is in your control. In his defense, Miss Manners points out that he may think he is defending your mother, and simply likes her cooking. If she knows how much you appreciate her efforts -- which you can show in other ways, such as thanking her at the end of the evening -- then you may enjoy your meal without implications.
I think he is making an issue out of nothing. His Dad probably has been saying that for years. That has NOTHING to do with him. It isn't a competition. Two people are actually allowed to give compliments at any point in time. Sheesh.
Yeah, I'm not sure he dad is directing this at him.
My dad has always told my mom that whatever meal she made was wonderful and the best whatever he ever had. Every time.
I think it's just a compliment to his wife. Nothing wrong with that.
I agree that he probably says it every meal. It is probably just something he does & has nothing to do with his son. I don't see how this is really a problem. People are nuts.
Well, then I need to stop complimenting my husband's cooking and he needs to not thank me for his meals because god forbid we give my daughter a complex. Who cares if its just the polite, mannerly and well loving thing to say/do to the person who just spent time making the meal.
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“One day, you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again.”
C.S.Lewis
