So here's the scenario: at the car wash, random American-made car drives up, window down, driver: "nice S2000...." I say thanks. Then an awkward pause. What do you say when you think the guy's car is crap or at the very least huge-engined crap? Nice, um, er, nice...day? I usually don't even know what the hell he's driving, I mean, they all kinda look the same: lots of unnecessary plastic, black tinted windows and ridiculously big air intakes. I guess this highlights a greater deficiency in my character: I have a hard time returning compliments (or giving compliments) if they're empty. Anyone know an easy way out of this? Is there a stock answer to any given car-lover which will at once satisfy the owner (he's met someone who appreciates his car like himself) and dissuade further chatter?

 

Tell them to get rid of the junker and buy a real car

 

Be honest - I don't mean tell him his car is a piece of but if you don't recognize what he's driving, say so. You never know, maybe he's an S2000 wanna be, and knows his car is On the other hand maybe he thinks it's the 's @ss and wants to run you - if so - use your judgement - is this the kind of guy who losses gracefully? either way, you learn more about his ride and he learns more about yours - if he is a sportscar he just may be the kind of guy you would like.

 

Just say thanks. If you were to say something it just sounds like your just saying it anyways.........

No harm in accepting the compliment with a smile and leaving it at that.

 

i respond in kind. the s2000 is my fav car and all others are just 2nd fiddle. however, i find it hard not returning the compliment when someone graciously praises my car, regardless of my feelings towards whatever vehicle he/she drives.

 

Just say something like, "Yeah, I coulda stolen a Porsche but I didn't want to break down trying to get away."

Unless he is driving a Porsche and then you just compliment him.

 

Thanks for the input. I think that when this sort of thing happens (and it happens all the time...I'm sure you all understand) it leaves me with a mixture of feelings with which I'm not exactly comfortable. It's pride and pity and then pride again but surrepticiously with pity lingering in my eyes (damn windows to my soul) and then self-awareness of this produces a hint a shame (damn Lutheran up-bringing) which vanishes as satisfaction at my choice of car pulls my introspection to the sensation of a smile, and I laugh to myself, I love this car! But I haven't said a word. I compose myself, launch a quick "thank you" and hope all the commotion went unnoticed.

 

What are you doing at a carwash with your S2000????

 

That's the real question.

Seriously though, BioBanker had the best answer. Thank him/her sincerely and leave it at that. BS for the sake of being polite is still BS.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Da Hapa
[B]Thank him/her sincerely and leave it at that.