Thanks, Bye... DON'T call me!

I use this phrase quite often. As a serial dater, I have to. He is interested. I'm not...

The long version... Thank you for the wonderful date. Have a great evening. I'm sure you'll agree that there wasn't any chemistry, so I must decline any further engagements.

Ok I've never actually said that in person, but I have in the polite post-date email.

So as I've already written, my cousin J is going through a tough time with her marriage. She has decided that it's over, and the whole family (adults not kids) are working on getting her out of her unhealthy relationship with S.

I predicted that my sister and I would get a lecture on marriage as a result of this drama. Thanksgiving went without a hitch. Friday typical shopping. Saturday more shopping then family dinner at a restaurant.

Nothing. No lecture.

Sister came into my room Saturday night to talk about the lecture. Were we getting it? Was I wrong? How could I be wrong? Mom and Dad LOVE to lecture us. Maybe they're getting too old. Senility. Dad forgot.

OR maybe... they didn't want to lecture us because they're afraid it will put us off of marriage all-together. That is completely against their indian culture... unacceptable.

Sunday morning, Sister and I are having breakfast and it finally came. It was very short, sweet, to the point and not at all aggressive. It was dad alone, too.

Dad: If either of you is involved with a guy and there is something about him you don't like, GET OUT. Don't think about trying to change him. You cannot change people. Decide whether it is something you can live with it. If not, get out.

Of course I piped in... in agreement.

Me: Absolutely Dad. If there's something I don't like, I just say "Thanks! Bye! DON'T call me!"

Dad: Ha... well yeah, you could say that.

Me: I already do.