These embarrassing conversations usually feature my teenage son and me. This time it was a little dialogue with my husband.
I shall set the scene. Dougie is getting ready to go to work and I’m half asleep, listening to Radio 2 as I don’t have to get Rory up for school.
Husband: Who’s this DJ standing in for Chris Evans?
Me: Oh, you know, that chap with the same name as the other bloke.
Husband: What chap? What other bloke?
Me: He’s a DJ with the same name as the cockney bloke that used to be in ‘Eastenders’?
Husband: Which cockney bloke? They’re all cockney blokes.
Me: Used to do ‘Runaround’ on the telly when we were kids.
Husband: Mike Reid?
Me: Yeah, that’s him, but the DJ called Mike Read. Had big glasses when we were younger?
Husband: On Runaround?
Me: No, Mike Read the DJ. Used to do Saturday Superstore on the telly too.
Husband: Oh yeah, I remember.
……Continue listening to radio….
Me: Scrub that. He says his name is Richard Allinson.
I have conversations like this on a regular basis. I've even started having them on twitter. I'm blaming my age.
It's bad isn't it. And getting worse!
I have those conversations with my sons. I expect them to know what I mean when I begin a conversation half-way through, having started it in my head. Then when they look blank I have to catch up with myself.
I think you've hit the nail on the head. I need to think it through first before opening my mouth! Thanks Sarah x
We had one of these conversations which included much mention of a bloke in a plaid short, no names. I still can't remember his name but he will forever be Richard Allison (who he?)
That's plaid shirt, I would remember a bloke in plaid shorts…
I thought you might have meant a kilt! As to Richard Allinson…you know who he is, thingummy, the one on the radio, standing in for Chris Evans?
Haha. I thought the Mike Ried on Eastenders who ised to do Runaround, was also the DJ I used to hear on the radio.
This reminds me of a question I was once asked by my thn flatmate who wanted to bake a cake from an American recipe. "Is this a cup?" she said, showing me a cup. The she tried to explain, "I mean, I know it's a cup but is it a cup?"
Haha! They sound nothing like each other! Did you think the Eastender Mike Reid was putting on an accent? You sound as daft as I am then!That makes me feel better.
Can totally understand what your friend meant! I bet that still makes you chuckle now, remembering the conversation.
I grew up surrounded by relatives who expected their minds to be read. The scary part is, we could. Ever had someone ask "What did I want to tell you?"
I find it scary that my husband is very good at interpreting my strange sentences with no meaning or end. It's quite surreal.
This 'language' is used by so many of us and is good for all whether they be old codgers/middle aged marrieds/menopausal women/crazies/drunks/the dazed and confused………..I speak it fluently!
That's so reassuring, Libby. I think I'm numbers 2, 3 and 6 in that list!
I listen to Radio Scotland in the mornings – it's part of my Scottish Presbyterian upbringing i.e. dead boring…if I hear those words 'devolution','independence' and 'devomax' once more, I think I'll scream…and don't get me started on Alex Salmond! I might give Tricky Dicky Allinson a try of the morrow, then switch off when Richard Madeley comes on!
Hope you managed to catch Tricky Dicky this morning as that's his lot – back to Chris Evans next week. Richard Madeley sometimes stands in for him too but he's at the weekend now.
Libby, I qualify on all counts and "I'll drink to that".
Mum, whatever happened to Terry Wogan, Noel Edmonds, Tony Blackburn et al — Am I the only one still left standing from the 60s plus knows all the words to all of the Beatles Songs and can interpret Jumping Jack Flash?? If so, I can only put it down to leading a healthy lifestyle — lots of best bitter and Kensitas fags in my teens.
Marion in Panama
Yes, Marion, you're way behind the times. Get with it, woman 😉
How do you interpret Jumpin Jack Flash? (am off to google it)
So, just to jump in half way through, is Mike Reid on the radio any more or even in eastenders and isn't it that other Richard that stands in for Chris, you know, the one with the packet of unpaid for Persil and the wife with the bra….oh, thingymabobby – nope not Richard Madeley, Chris Moyles that's it, I'm thinking Chris Moyles…sorry did you say something *wanders off looking vague*
Do you want to come and live with us? You'd fit in so well here! LOL!
We had almost this identical conversation just a few days ago, except it was about actors instead of DJs.
MrL is used to it by now and usually keeps the conversation going because he knows it will be good for a laugh (not for any useful information) in the end.
Thankfully my husband is tuned in to my nonsense now, whereas conversations with Rory are far more frustrating as he doesn't let me away with anything!
Most of my conversations with the Shah run along these lines. It's the shorthand of a long, long marriage!
Yup, that must be it. 22 years tomorrow for us!
I've had several conversations like that with my Beloved.
Sad isn't it?
Mind you I think I've had a couple of conversations like that with myself.
Even sadder.
Sad, yes, but at least the embarrassment is more private 🙂