When people complain, I listen. And once that last drop of
whine wine has been poured and had, I, wanting to help, may suggest an alternative as a solution. Often it's from my catalog of experiences, so-and-so accounts, or 'why nots'. So when a New York City resident carped about lack of space, rising rents, and noise to me, I said,"What about Staten Island?" In response they gave me the look that yells, "Have you NOT been listening to me?!?"
"What?! The ferry is so fast! My cousin used to live there and loved it. And my old boss
bought a Victorian there."
I thought for certain they would entertain the idea when I said that rare word in urban speech, 'bought', but the conversation ended. Though I'm sure the wine was poured elsewhere...
