On Mon, 26 May 2003 14:21:14 -0400, Sheldon Farberman
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>>just wondering what some of your come-backs are to this kind of statement:
>"i was bottle fed formula and i'm fine and so is ... and...."
>there are many thoughts that run through my mind when i hear this and i
just
>never feel good about what i did say.

Dear Chrysta,

A response like this comes up like this at Russian forums and parenting
boards.  I usually challenge the definition of "fine".  People seem to mean
drastically different things using the same word.  The definition of the
word can be two concepts at the opposite ends.  Their definition of fine
can be unacceptable for you personally.  This is also very cultural, may I
say American  (How are you?  Fine.  Later, in the conversation you may find
out that someone got in a car accident, almost died, but they are "FINE" or
I come across people whose closest relative like a child or a husband has
just died and they are "FINE").  In my opinion they aren't fine.  They may
be severely depressed, sleepless and on drugs.  Coming from a different
culture where it is acceptable to say "Things are HORRIBLE", I never take
fine for an answer.  The more extended description is very necessary to me
to understand what the person means by words fine, late, horrible, cheap,
expensive, bad or good.

Some more things that people can relate to more easily.  Not following
traffic rules, engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners, drinking
and driving, smoking or any behavior that is associated with risk to life
or health.  You may sleep around and never catch a thing, run the red light
and never get in the car accident.  Do the rest of us want to follow the
suit, play Russian roulette and find out for ourselves?  That is up to each
individual.

Natalie Wilson

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