h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A561593

It's my first guide entry, so feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone has any ideas for things to add... You would be doing a great service for mankind

Thanks!
-Alex

There are so many ways I could go with this.

But I think for the moment, as I'm running out of time today, I'll just post here something that has worked for me.


My wife and I have had trouble in the past with the yes---no part of does this make me look for and/or do you like this outfit.

Here is what we decided. I would say, I think you should get it if I approved, and I would say no if I didn't. Now here is the beauty of this formula. I think you should get it doesn't have anything at all to do with wether or not you think it looks bad on her or not. Sometime you can tell that they want to buy something but are concerned that it really does make them look fat or isn't at all the style that they usually wear, but the want to go out on a limb and try something different. Our phrase gives you a little lee-way. You aren't saying it doesn't make them look fat, or that it looks good on them. You're just saying you think they should get it. As to what she interprets on her end, I have no idea, but it works. We decided long ago that no meant no, but yes didn't always mean yes, so a phrase was needed that would help us out.


Try it out gentlemen.

Editorial Note: This conversation has been moved from 'The Writing Workshop' to 'The Flea Market'.