The Slice: It’s better than ‘Happy Grandparents’ Day’

Men who are not fathers are a couple of days away from being told “Happy Father’s Day” by strangers.

How should these men deal with that? I have a few ideas.

Wrong: “Young lady, I’ll have you know…” (You’ll sound like a fussbudget.)

Right: “Thanks. You, too.” (If the stranger with whom you are exchanging greetings is female, this makes the point that Sunday is an occasion for everyone to celebrate.)

Wrong: “Excuse me? I am not responsible for overpopulation.” (Just makes you sound like a humorless scold.)

Right: “Thanks.” (Cashier doesn’t really care about your life choices.)

Wrong: “Not all adult males have sired offspring, you know.” (Waitress either realizes this or she doesn’t.)

Right: Just smile and think of your father.

Feedback: “I enjoyed reading the Sunday Slice about a couple who moved from Spokane to Western Washington to be near their grandchildren,” wrote Larry Mann of Spokane Valley.

“We did the opposite, moving here from Mukilteo last October. It might not sound like the thing to do, as our grandchildren live on Vashon Island and most of our family is in the Seattle area. We like it though and manage to still see family by taking occasional trips to the Seattle area.

“I grew up in Spokane (West Valley HS and EWU) and it feels great to move back home. I traded two-hour commutes for a job where I can telecommute. My wife, Carole, likes Spokane too, and it wasn’t hard to convince her to move here despite growing up in Mukilteo. Her arthritis feels much better in Spokane’s drier climate, and we both enjoy the lower cost of living, friendly people and less traffic. The abundant sunshine is wonderful, and we are both enjoying the warm summer weather. It feels great to spend summer evenings on the patio without having to wear a jacket like we did in the cooler climate of Mukilteo.

“What’s not to like about Spokane? That trend of people moving west might be reversed if more people knew what a great place Spokane is.”

Today’s Slice question: Ever change clothes after you got to school to avoid a scene at home?