回應　林鈺堂

唐突出言雖稱意，奈何難堪成僵局；
莫若含蓄兼幽默，博得聽者皆展顏。

跋

回應他人，或只顧稱意，而忽略其可能令對方難堪之處。何如略用心思，含蓄出言，兼及幽默，以順帶博得在場聞者之開懷。例如，聞說某人不常洗澡，即回以：「這樣比較有味道」。

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　二○○二年三月十九日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　養和齋　　　　於加州

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Response　Yutang Lin

Offensive talk may be gratifying to one's mood;
Its unpleasantness could result in stalemate stiff.
Better to respond in subtle and humorous words
So as to bring a smile to the face of all listeners.

Comment:

In response to others some would shoot out expressions that are fitting to their own feelings but are in disregard to the uncomfortable feelings that they might cause in others.

How about first looking around a little bit for subtle expressions that would be humorous so as to help all present have a lighthearted time? For example, when it is said that someone does not take bath often, one could respond by saying, "It is more odorful that way."

Written in Chinese on March 19, 2002
Translated on March 22, 2002
El Cerrito, California

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