ady Angela Speaks Her Mind

ome time ago Baron Von Lodge was the head of a small country near Switzerland known as Lilliland.

Lady Angela of Alpine Castle, the Baron’s fiancée, had numerous houseguests from time to time. Most of them were either relatives or schoolmates from her college days.

Since Lady Angela was very popular, her friends seemed to be endless. However, she expressed concern that her visitors seemed to be stuck talking about the same subject. That subject was relationships that had failed with men.

At a general meeting with the Baron and Professor Hamblin, the Baron’s chief advisor, Lady Angela brought up the subject of her guests always wanting to talk about the same topic. Lady Angela said that they all wanted her to advise them about their relationship problems.

“Really, I don’t feel qualified because I have little or no experience in relations that have broken down, and have no experience with child-raising either. I hate to tell my guests that, but I really feel very uncomfortable in discussing their personal problems in any depth with them.

“I want the guests to enjoy themselves and the many charms that nature bestows on them as they visit Lilliland. But I need some advice on how to not encourage the guests to talk at length about their relationship problems”

The Profess suggested that she make an honest, forward comment to her guests when the subject of failing relations came up. “You got into this relationship on a voluntary basis and could have terminated it at any time. You are capable of solving the problems in the same way that they developed. You are a smart person. Please don’t underestimate your skills in solving this personal situation.

“Please enjoy the hospitality of Alpine Castle and the whole of Lilliland during your stay.”

The Baron added that there were two sides to every story and if someone was presenting the story, it tended to be weighted in their favor and not balanced the way that it really was.

Lady Angela thanked them both for their insight and decided that the next time a guest wanted to unload relationship problems on her she would simply side step the issue with a polite phrase or two. Like all relationships, they have their moments, but you solve them the way that you have successfully solved other matters.