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Original poster

Someone "crossed" dd forehead today in Boots, what is your opinion?

141 replies

lilymolly · 07/10/2006 18:57

Was in boots today with dd in pram, an older lady came to admire dd as they do! and she had her daughter with her,about 30ish who had learning difficulties (politically correct?)sorry if not.

Anyway, this lady got chatting and I was taking to her daughter and asking her name etc, being pleasant as you do, and anyway the older lady was very nice, and as she walked away she licked her finger and did a cross on dd forehead and said something like " god bless you child" or along the lines of this...

I was a little bit shocked but anyway walked away and got on with shopping. But it got me thinking, although I am not religous at all, I did not really get offended as I knew she meant well, but when I told dp, he thought it a little offensive , he is anti religion.
So I thought I would ask what you would have done in my position?? Not asking for religious/non religous debate, just your thoughts on how you would have reacted.

OP posts:

TwigTwoolett · 08/10/2006 21:40

yes but

LADY LICKY FINGER

UnquietDad · 08/10/2006 21:46

It's a bit like when you're ill (or a member of your family is) and someone religious says "I'll pray for you." It's very hard to grit your teeth, smile and say "thank you", but that's probably what you have to do. You want to say "I think the fully-trained medical staff may have more of an effect than some mumbled incantation to a non-existent deity, thank YOU!" But it's well-intentioned. As Twig says, seethe with rage inside, take it home, unload on to your RL or online friends and acquaintances!

curlew · 08/10/2006 21:52

It's angelus time for the Little Sisters of St Polycarp. time for the ritual holy gin and tonic and the blessed smoked salmon canape........

3andnomore · 08/10/2006 21:53

but this lady obvioulsly believes in the power of blessing, and may feels it's needed for whatever reason.....so, why get angry at it.... blessing a child certainly is a better gesture then offereing a lolly, lol!
lady licking finger bit...yes, I can see that bit of ick with that....lol....but it is nor a real prob

WestCountryLass · 08/10/2006 22:41

Haven't read the whole thread but I would have been grossed out by her using her saliva than the actual gesture.

nogoes · 09/10/2006 17:04

3and more, I don't think I would like it because I am not a touchy feely person with anyone other than those I am very close too. I have a vague memory of someone doing something similiar to me when I was little and feeling a bit yuck.

pointyfangedWeredog · 09/10/2006 17:10

Sigh. I'm the same nogoes. I mean, I envy all those huggy, kissy, squeezy people in the world. But I'm a non-tactile Scot. I've got a friend who always gives me a hug when we meet and I have to steel myself for that, for goodness sake. I couldn't handle the spit thing easily.

Original poster

lilymolly · 09/10/2006 17:34

these different view points are so interesting to hear. I though this thread may have provoked a good discussion and so far so good.

OP posts:

joelallie · 09/10/2006 17:39

I would take it in the spirit in which it was meant. And I say that as an atheist with no time for religion in any form.

A tiny bit of saliva isn't really going to hurt now is it?

PeachyClairHasBadHair · 09/10/2006 18:15

I'm with Joelalie, take it in the spirit it's meant (and I'm an Atheist studyinga degree in world religiosn so about as opinionated / confused / insert whatever) as you van get LOL!

binker · 09/10/2006 18:36

I wouldn't be offended, it was a nice thing to do...though being neurotic I'd have fretted about the licked finger bit !
I do know of someone (a very fervent Catholic) who secretly took their grandchild to be baptised without the parent's consent - in fact I think she baptised the child herself...I'd have gone mad at that,I must say. We lived up the road from a very religious woman would always tell me that she was praying for me,which I liked the idea of very much - it does no harm.

PeachyBobbingParty · 09/10/2006 18:50

Ah see, the religious chap at Uni always tells me I am going straight to Hell; I point put that I'd have to believe in it for that to be scary; he then gets very agitated and flounces off.

If he were to pray for my Salvation, then fine: if it exists and comes hunting me down then OK; sending me direct to a place I don't believe in though? Limited effectiveness LOL!

LittleScarer · 09/10/2006 18:58

Great thread.

I am with Unquietdad (lol btw), I would find it a little presumptious but take it as a kind gesture and smile...

... on the ouside

ginmummy · 09/10/2006 18:59

Wouldn't be shocked at what she said, more that she wiped her gob on your dd. That's the slightly gross bit, well intended or not.

ANAconda · 09/10/2006 20:22

eurgh! despite not walking with the lord I would be OK with someone "blessing" my child, but making the sign of the cross and wiping spitty fingers on him is a total invasion of our space. you wouldn't do it to an adult you didnt know! i'm sure it was well intentioned but that's not good enough - we dont accept people doing other inappropriate things out of good intentions.

Blu · 09/10/2006 20:27

I had people attempt full scale faith healing on DS when he was a baby, and do blessings to relieve him of the 'sin' I must have committed to have a baby with a 'deformity'. (he was born in a heatwave, and his little leg and talipes was quite noticeable when he wore just a babygro vest.). All pretty irriatating - especailly the 'sin' bit - and if someone did it now that DS is old enough to understand what is being said I would be furious.
But as no-one dabbed spit on him, I did a Cod and wrote them off as obvious nutters and got on with my shopping.

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