The “Gotcha” Question
There are some people for whom conversation is a dance, a cooperative venture whose purpose is mutual enlightenment. And then there are those for whom conversation is a competitive sport, the goal of which is to score points on the other player using words as a fencer’s foil.
Sure, they look calm now, but that's only because the fiendish simulator instructor hasn't yet begun to fight.
A few years back, I was ensnared at a squadron get-together by one of the latter sort, one of Sampson’s instructors. He saw fit to turn a “Gotcha!” tactic — which no doubt works wonders on his students — on an unsuspecting Navy wife.
So, who won that exchange of words? Check out my latest on SpouseBUZZ to see how it played out: Will I Ever be an Expert on Military Life?
Posted on January 26, 2012, in Military, SpouseBUZZ. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
I would have said something really passive-aggressive, like, “I’m as much an expert being a Navy wife as you are being a sim instructor.” That leaves it open to a lot of interpretation and ambiguity, which is fine for me when someone is playing the “gotcha” game. It’s pretty much the only answer that is not an answer.
Fortunately, no one has tried that with me- either I’ve been very lucky to have never encountered that kind of person, or they already know that I don’t play drama games.
Good luck to the Navy wife who falls in that trap! I really dislike that there are people out there willing to prey on others.
I’m with you! I thought of all kinds of deliciously biting, snarky replies I could have made… later that evening, at home, rehashing the incident with Sampson. At least he appreciates my incisive wit.