RE: A HIDDEN MEMORY GEM REDISCOVERED
Usually when someone fails, they know they have failed and that alone is the most severe punishment for them. In some cases, the person does not really understand that they have failed and that is when "Bless his heart" is best used. It is a very gentle acknowledgement of someone's failure without actually mentioning it. I think that is one of the most endearing things about Southern US culture: the gentle politeness shown to others
This short video describes its use best:
And thank you for your comment about style. I agree, but it can be reflected in many ways, such as in the way one dresses, in their language or manner. I was taught as a child that I was to respect women and I still say "yes, ma'am" to young sales clerks I have never met. Unfortunately, too many of them think I'm just an odd old man. They think they are mature but they do not know that they are the ones who have not learned their own culture yet.
It's a Southern thing. ( Our standard reply to explain why we do some of the things we do.)
That's explained brilliantly and I have learnt it now. I might use ti at places but am afraid if anyone would know what am saying :D i expect people to be as unaware of it as I earlier was.
Video helped big time :) Thank you for that.
You're welcome, I should thank you actually for teaching me quite so many things and because of that Am starting to like the southern US culture, its pretty much about respecting others and trying to hurt them the least.
Yes, it is. I has been that way since the USA was begun. Some say it's because it is so hot and humid no one wants to exert themselves and waste energy on anger. I think it's because the South was mostly used for farming and the pace of life was slower than in the North where all the factories were located and people ran on tighter schedules and always in a hurry.
One thing for certain, it is a special thing to have problems resolved while sitting on someone's front porch in a rocking chair, drinking iced sweet tea, and talking. Or, just sitting with family and friends and talking the evening away!
I like it a lot! I once refused a major promotion because I did not want to live in or near Chicago! I like the country life and having deer eat our flowers :)