Have you ever made someone turn beet red?

like this???
I was at a Jewish Library on sunday with my children, and there were big signs all over saying: "If you don't put books back on their right place, you will be charged $2.00." The grammatical mistake was making me so nervous, that when I was checking out, I told the (14-15 yr. old) girl that in an English Library you would think at least the signs would be in proper English and pointed out the mistake. She literally turned beet red. I didn't know what to do and my kids were jumping all over so I just left.

do you think I should go back and apologize? (I said it in a very calm, normal voice...)

Diamond Member Joined: Sep 18 2004 Posts: 2600

Wow. Most libraries that I've been to put the books away for you. In fact, they prefer that becasue then the books get ordered correctly.

She probably wrote the signs - that's why she got embarrassed.

First of all, never correct people's grammar. Especially in public. It is very embarrassing for them and patronizing of you.

Second, if you really really really had to (which I believe you didn't) you could have just said it nicely and not so snarky. Like "oh by the way, no big deal, but it should be 'in' not 'on.' I know, I know, I'm a crazy grammar person." Said with a self-deprecating smile.

Third, yes I did once make someone beet-red by embarrassing her in public and even though I apologized and she forgave me I still feel terrible about it and I probably always will. (But what I did was considerably worse. Teenage drama.) Sad

Platinum Member Joined: Apr 12 2010 Posts: 5769

Yup it is pretty embarrassing.

Next time I would email it in or call in "I noticed in the library you had a sign, should have said in not on."

She probably was asked to write it and didn't notice the mistake. I HATE it when people correct me for any little thing even if its constructive criticism in public or in front of other people. Its so patronizing.
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Executive Member Joined: Jul 09 2008 Posts: 377

I think you should apologize.

You dont have to make a production out of it. Just "I'm sorry about my comment last week, it wasn't nice of me"

Silver Member Joined: Feb 14 2010 Posts: 600

Don't remember embarassing anyone, I do remember being on the receiving end. Embarassed

I wouldn't want an apology.

I once told a non jew when he held out his hand that I cant shake his hand. I spoke to him a few times before meeting him and he knew about judism from me but the color he turned - I Still blush thinking about it.

only that time when I rubbed mashed beets into someone's face on purpose...

Gold Member Joined: Dec 21 2008 Age: 27 Posts: 1519

How about giving her a little note that says "I'm sorry about the comment last time. That wasn't nice of me. I didn't mean to hurt you." This way you won't need to face her when she's reading it, she might turn beet red again if you tell it to her in person.

And about myself, I'm a frequent beet-red-turner. So watch out around me. If you wanna laugh, I can blush over the screen if someone gives me a bad comment on my post. I know it's stupid, but so it is.

The only time can remember having made someone turn beet red was shortly after my wedding talking to this girl wh

Senior Member Joined: May 10 2009 Posts: 169

I go beet red at the drop of a hat- even in the middle of a conversation, sometimes. If the girl's anything like me, I wouldnt worry about it too much!