# SMH: Things people have told me today **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 12, 2026, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021 "2026-05-12T16:13:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/1 "2026-05-12T16:13:26Z")
Hi everyone, zombie member here. I’d love to start a thread of things people have said/commented to you that just make you shake your head. Nothing truly hateful or flame worthy, just things that make you go “really?” For context, I work in corporate America recruiting , but also organize a semi-large charity event and as a result, I have to review a lot of documentation and applications. **Today the example I would like to provide is for a vendor application for my event. In the comment section, the applicant put: “I would like to be in a high traffic area.”** Really??? You sure you don’t want me to stick your booth in the abandoned hallway broom closet? What ones have you heard lately? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/2 "2026-05-12T16:25:18Z")
Stating the obvious in written form is insurance if the vendor gets crapped on. They’ve probably had a problem previously. Early this morning Ivy came in my room and looked at me, looking at her and said " **Oh, you’re awake!"** “No really, I sleep fully awake, dummy.” Duh! Hi, Zombie member. Are you a legend? Nice to meet you. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/3 "2026-05-12T17:32:59Z")
A woman once told me, “I understand boys better than you do because I have 2 sons and you don’t.” I’m a man. ---
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/4 "2026-05-12T17:45:29Z")
Umm what is she on and why is she not sharing? ---
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/5 "2026-05-12T17:50:40Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Hi, Zombie member. Are you a legend? In my own mind, yes. I once authored The Ron Thread. I realize you are not referring to that 😆 ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/6 "2026-05-12T18:14:48Z")
I remember you! You were very likable. 😁 I also remember the Ron (and Ron-duh) thread. As for this thread, my contribution: A co-worker was stepping away from her desk and forwarded her phone line to me. “If it rings, could you just let them know I’m not here and take a message?” Well, I suppose I could manage that, since you’ve given me instructions. 🤨 ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/7 "2026-05-12T18:42:43Z")
I’ve just had a good one today (though, I grant some people are so unmindful that it’s probably needed more often than I want to admit). [Backstory - Despite our wishes, and at great personal expense, we’re putting in a full new HVAC system in our house, with install being, well, right now.] “Since we’re replacing your entire HVAC system today, please don’t turn the AC or heat on during the process.” Again, my response mentally is much like the OP - “Really? People have to be told this?” Followed by the “oh wait” internal rueful wince at the top. Oh, and hello Zombie member! I’m a whippersnapper, so unfamiliar with your prior posts, but looking forward to your renewed presence! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/8 "2026-05-12T18:50:57Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > “Since we’re replacing your entire HVAC system today, please don’t turn the AC or heat on during the process.” The cure for that of course is to open all the circuit breakers and maybe even disconnect a power wire from the thermostat. And hang a big yellow out-o-f-service bag covering the thermostat like they do on inoperative gas pumps at the gas stations. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/9 "2026-05-12T19:11:47Z")
Apparently they decided that I’m sentient enough to not need such additional reminders. Of course, since I lead them to the new panel and pointed out the specific layout, AND had already turned off the system prior to arrival, they may have felt I was responsible enough for them to forgo such. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/10 "2026-05-12T19:19:59Z")
Yeah, I’m not suggesting they need that for you. But for their typical customer … ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/11 "2026-05-12T19:25:15Z")
> [@melodyharmonius](#): > > **Today the example I would like to provide is for a vendor application for my event. In the comment section, the applicant put: “I would like to be in a high traffic area.”** > > Really??? You sure you don’t want me to stick your booth in the abandoned hallway broom closet? Definitely not a stupid request, especially since because of crowding booths get put in out-of-the-way places all the time. ---
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/12 "2026-05-12T19:49:25Z")
The point to me is that everyone would like a high traffic area. I’ve never had someone request a low traffic area. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/13 "2026-05-12T19:57:33Z")
The point is that if you care about where your booth is located there is a good chance that you will get your request if it comes in a timely manner, as opposed to those who make no such request or come in late to the game. If you don’t make such a request, you don’t get to make a complaint because it is next to impossible to make all booth locations great…unless booth sales are so low that operators have their pick of spots. I have seen the difficulty in booth placement from going to (and volunteering) at science fiction, fantasy and author conventions since 1985. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/14 "2026-05-12T20:05:38Z")
Welcome back, Melodyharmonius! As you can see, we still nitpick. Think of it as a form of welcome. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/15 "2026-05-12T20:45:10Z")
It’s how Dopers show that they care. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/16 "2026-05-12T20:53:38Z")
Nitpick: It’s how Dopers _hide_ they care. We are a modest lot that does not like to show feelings in public. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/17 "2026-05-12T20:58:51Z")
Oh, I read a bunch of the Ron Thread. Very funny and famous. @melodyharmonius still nice to meet you. 😀 Speak for yourself @Pardel-Lux …I’m very demonstrative in public. I embarrass the grandkids hugging and kissing. Beware Doper friend if I see you out and about in my small world you will get hugged (if you’re not germy, that is)! ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/18 "2026-05-12T21:01:45Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > Nitpick: It’s how Dopers _hide_ they care. > We are a modest lot that does not like to show feelings in public. Nitpick of nitpick: It’s how we hide we care if we like you in a positive way. If we **care** , but in a _negative_ way… well, we show no restraint in expressing our feelings. Though honestly, @Pardel-Lux’s actual feelings were benign, positive and easily read. I had to go out of my way to get in my own, caring nitpick. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/19 "2026-05-12T21:16:44Z")
If a Doper does not nitpick your mistakes they have classified you as hopeless and no longer care. The opposite of love is not hate, is indifference. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021/20 "2026-05-12T21:18:16Z")
God. I must be well loved here. 😱 (Aww, y’all so sweet 😍 ) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smh-things-people-have-told-me-today/1030021.md?page=2)