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Long ago I discovered what I call the "off switch". When my golf obsessed husband starts giving his swing by swing, hole by hole description, I go into switch off mode. I really hear very little of what he says, but ocassionally check his facial expressions. If he looks happy I say "gee, that's great", if he looks sad I say "oh, bad luck". This has saved me hours of boredom, kept him happy and generally ensured our 27 years together will continue.
The other day he said "you are going to Alaska aren't you?" I was dumbfounded because I've talked of little else for the past few months. He told me he had been talking to someone who had just returned from an alaskan cruise on the "dam".
Which dam? I asked. Oh, I don't know, the "somethingdam" was his reply.
Did they enjoy it? I waited for all the details. Yes, he said, they said it was "good".
I told them you were going on a cruise on the "Vision", he said. He then smiled proudly in his "see, I do listen to you" way.
I have now added to my "things to do before you cruise" list. I will be leaving a large note on the fridge. Dear Ray, if you discover I am not here, I am on the MERCURY cruising the inside passage Alaska.
Anne uses the off switch with me whenever I talk about computers. In one ear and out the other. I wouldn't mind so much except that whenever she has a problem she asks me to fix it, but its often the same problem I have fixed for her a dozen times before -- but because the switch was off she doesn't remember hearing the answer.
...I loved your posting. "Something 'dam'" is very understandable since ALL HAL ships end like that. I've used this technique with people who go on ... and on ... and on.
Unfortunately I also use it when my partner discusses computers. I'm simply unable to retain any detail about a computer. This, of course, is a handicap when a problem arises.
Yes, one day I would like to go on one of those "dam" ships!
Women call it the OFF switch. Men call it selective hearing. They select what they want to hear and ignore the rest.
Divetex, I know better!
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The Off Switch
...I loved your posting. "Something 'dam'" is very understandable since ALL HAL ships end like that. I've used this technique with people who go on ... and on ... and on. 
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