oh, don't be like that

So I was watching television with peep #1 the other night when someone said, "Oh, don't be like that."  That's when the peep told me how she just hates that expression.

At first, I didn't really understand why anyone would hate an expression.  Hate going to the doctor?  See that.  Hate being treed by a big dog?  See that, too.  But hate an expression?  Well, that's kind of silly. They're just words, after all.

But then I thought about it some and realised, the peep was right!  Yeah it happens...  occasionally.  I thought about all the times I've heard this expression used and came to some pretty conclusive conclusions.

This is how it always goes...  Person A says to person B, "Oh, don't be like that" usually, to belittle person B's response or attitude towards something.  But person B's attitude is almost always a response to something person A said or did!  Had person A not done whatever they did in the first place, person B wouldn't feel the way he or she does.  In other words, it's not about 'not being like that' but rather, it's about 'not agreeing with me.'  Person A should really be saying, "Oh, don't disagree with me."  But, of course, that wouldn't be quite so belittling, would it?  That wouldn't really work with that condescending tone that so often accompanies the "Oh, don't be like that" phrase.

So I really think that the peep is right about hating this expression.  It's kind of a nasty one, when you think about it.  But what is she gonna do about it?  If someone says to her, "Oh, don't be like that," she can't really turn around and say to them, "Oh, don't be like that!"  I mean, that would be a little hypocritical, don't you think?  You know...  'cause of her vowing her hatred of the expression and all...

My suggestion to the peep is that she always answer those words with, "Like what?  You mean, don't disagree with you?"  That should turn some tables, I think.  At least, that's what I would do if someone said that to me.  Of course, no one ever has said that to me.  Being a cat and all, I'm usually right about stuff.  "Right on the money," they say.  People usually just know not to disagree with me.  I mean, like, I'm wrong 'bout stuff maybe once in a blue moon but what are the odds that that one thing I say is the time I'm gonna be wrong?  The odds are pretty slim there, my friend, so it's best we just keep moving right along...  At least, that's what I tell the peep.  Hehehe...

I'm also gonna suggest that the peep become more familiar with the expression I created.  You know the one...  "MOUSES!"  Not nearly enough people or kitties are using it, I'm afraid.  I don't think I've ever heard anyone use it but myself and that's just not good enough.  The two peeps with whom I live - at least - should be using it.  I mean, it's a good expression, I think.  Short, concise and to the point.  Even easy to spell.  Just sort of rolls off the tongue.  I'm really surprised it hasn't been picked up by Websters or something like that.  Hmmm...  I'll have to work on that one.

Now listen up my friends, I am vowing this, right here and right now...  I will never, ever, NOT EVER, not even in a million years, say to the peep or to anyone else...  "Oh, don't be like that."  I am hereby boycotting that expression, in support of the peep.  And in its place, I will always use, "MOUSES!"  How 'bout you?  Can I count you in?