What Would You Say?

[Jman28]

I'm still not mature enough to handle this nicely. In my opinion, she's just forfeited her right to common courtesy. I'd probably tell her she's fat or something. Women hate that.

[diebitter]

You say "I'll wait in the car," and leave with dignity.

Then throw a tyre iron through the window.

[speirs]

Wouldn't this be a good time to headbutt her?

[uw_madtown]

[ QUOTE ]
Before I can even finish saying "Nice to meet you," she blurts out, "You're the one who is ruining his life by playing poker all day and not going to school."

I'm still shaking her hand.

She then says, "Do you parent's know what you are doing?"
I reply , "Yes."
She says, "Wow they must be really ashamed."

Your move.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hero replies in a sincere tone, "It seems you've already made up your mind about me and how I earn money, so I suppose it's not much use discussing it."

This is both a subtle jab (insinuates she's close minded) yet non-confrontational (you offer her a chance to bail out a small victor by appearing unwilling to put up a fight).

It's pretty much SOP with the small handful of people who've strongly disapproved when informed of my poker playing. People worth knowing will digest it and at least hear you out with an open mind. Everyone else will just file you away under degenerate. But who cares--if they're that judgemental, I certainly don't care to be friendly with them.

EDIT: Alternate line to take -- "That's pretty close-minded of you, Mrs. X. YSSCKY."

[britspin]

[ QUOTE ]
You're the one who is ruining his life by playing poker all day and not going to school

[/ QUOTE ]

She's more worried about his not going to school and not getting ahead in "normal" life than anything else. If you care particularly what she thinks, I'd wouldn't focus on your (or his) poker achievements, but about how well you are both getting on in areas she cares about - like college.

If you don't care about what she thinks, just tell her that your parents are proud they've raised a son who has sufficient manners not to be gratuitously rude to their guests.

[Rolen]

"Do your parents know you raised a child who is ruining his life with gambling?" is a good one.

It's important to be extremely confrontational in this situation. She's obviously a withered old hag. Tell her!

[Bluffoon]

I would just change the subject. It's not like this person's opinion matters to me in any way so why bother trying to change it and I have no need defend or justify my choices because I am comfortable with them. There is also no sense in being unpleasant to your friend's mom. I would however make it a point to avoid her socially as much as possible in the future.

[ QUOTE ]


She then says, "Do you parent's know what you are doing?"
I reply , "Yes."
She says, "Wow they must be really ashamed."

Your move.

[/ QUOTE ]

You say "No. Why would they be?"

This is classic martial arts - use your opponent's aggression against them.

She wants to make a glib little statement and you are now forcing her to explain her position in more detail. You can then pick apart what she says.

[TiK]

What did you end up saying?

[aflaba]

Ugh. What a story. It's really uncomfortable... and she's one crazy momma