Originally Posted by bearisgray
(hmmm - interesting that I came up with "fruitcake" for this example! )
lol
A few years ago I was visiting Germany on my birthday. My mom said that she would make this traditional cake and I told her that she doesn't need to make it for me. She INSISTED because it was tradition and she had ALWAYS made this cake and on and on. Since my non-verbal expressions didn't get through to her, I finally told her that I really don't like that cake. It is too rich and my system can't handle all that buttercream. As a fact, I have NEVER liked it for that reason. Growing up, I forced myself to eat one obligatory piece.
My mother said: But I always made it for your birthdays.
My sister, my brother, and I answered: Yes, we know.
Mother: Why didn't you tell me before?
Answer: We did, but you chose to ignore us.
So it needed the 2x4 between the eyes approach for her to get our attention. Normally, I try to be a little more in tune with my friends to read between the lines so that "brutal" honesty won't be necessary.