01.30.12

Monday Dare: Lying saves lives

Every week, I challenge myself to a Monday Dare. You can click on the link if you’d like to see the full list of Monday Dares or learn more about its origin.

This week: Tell the truth.

It seems unnatural to me to tell the truth all the time. I believe in sparing people’s feelings, and lies are an excellent method of achieving that.Sometimes, you find yourself saying things like “I don’t have a phone” or “No, good sir, I’m not on Facebook” because it’s a lot kinder than “No, nu-uh, never ever.”

LYING SAVES LIVES. Actually, I’m not sure how that statement fits here, but it kind of makes sense, doesn’t it? It does. Trust me, it does.

Maybe you have a kid that plays soccer. Maybe another soccer mom is really getting on your nerves because her voice is a tad too loud and she says things to your kid like “play better” or “get in the game, Cal!” Here are some choices:

A. (chuckle softly, like a good-natured person) I bet we could work on our drills a little bit harder at home. I noticed that your daughter, Frittata, is playing so much better these days! Good on her!

And hey, I could totally relate when you rolled your eyes the other day because wee Frittata forgot her inhaler in the car and you were all, “Oh my god, I must really love you if I’m going to walk all the way back down the hill for you.” I mean, totally, I get it. Kids wanting to breath is so outrageous.

B. If you don’t shut the fuck up, I’m going to wipe the floor with your face.

Yes, B makes so much more sense because really, who would name their kid Frittata? And more importantly, who has the patience to chuckle softly like a good-natured person? Sometimes, you lie to maintain the peace among a pack of women. Most often, you lie to avoid a jail sentence.

I’m feeling brave. I’m telling the truth all week. I do, however, reserve the right to remain silent.

Do you ever fib to maintain the peace, or are you more of the “whole truth and nothing but the truth” type? What’s the funniest or most outrageous lie you’ve ever told?

P.S. I’ll be at Chevalier’s Books in Los Angeles this Thursday at 7:00 to do a reading of my essay “Liner Notes” from the book The Moment: Wild, Poignant, Life- Changing Stories from 125 Writers and Artists Famous and Obscure. I’d love to see you and fist bump it out.

image via blueq.com
January 30, 2012
01.16.12

Monday Dare: (T)hug Life

Every week, I challenge myself to a Monday Dare. You can click on the link if you’d like to see the full list of Monday Dares or learn more about its origin.

This week: Come at me. Let’s hug this shit out. 

I don’t really like it when people touch me. Maybe if you buy me dinner and drinks first, then I’d be okay with it. Or if you give me money. Nevermind that this description has many uncanny similarities to the oldest profession in the world. Let’s move right along.

The other day, I decided to do a few things I don’t normally do. I did my hair. I put on some chapstick. And I left the house. I mean, yes, I leave my house all the time because laundry detergent and Baked Lays Potato Chips don’t buy themselves, but I rarely go out at night in Los Angeles because I save all my Going Out Time to visit my two best friends who don’t live in California. (Side note: I really love you bitches, but somebody is going to have to move real soon, and it’s not going to be me.)

After watching a string of filthy-mouthed comedians who made me blush and laugh at the same time, I made my way to the afterparty. Ah, afterparties. Nothing good ever happens at those, so if you go to one, you’re tacitly consenting to a.) getting shitfaced, b.) talking shit, or c.) all of the above.

I ran into a new friend. We hugged. It was nice. I didn’t have to do that awkward pyramid hug where I keep my feet firmly planted two feet away and just our shoulders touch. You know what I’m talking about, yes? She didn’t try to run her hand up and down my back. She didn’t try to air kiss both my cheeks. I left the scene unscathed.

Then I ran into an old friend. One I hadn’t seen in years. He approached with his arms spread loud and proud, and before I had a chance to run away, we were making full body contact. The kind where our nether regions briefly say “hello” and “how the hell are ya” to each other before parting ways. And then he patted my head. Tell me, friends, do I look like a dog? I was stunned into silence which made my friend feel awkward, and he walked away with a look that suspiciously resembled “that bitch be trippin.”

I think a little body wiggle action amongst good friends is great. If I’ve had a particularly bad day, a solid hug from someone I love is just what I need, but I’m always awkward about doing something so intimate with people I’ve just met. A lot of times, it comes across as aloof or self-righteous. I don’t mean it that way… I’m just really fucking awkward, that’s all.

What are your personal space boundaries? Any awkward moments?

January 16, 2012