The other day, while E.S. and I were watching The Millionaire Matchmaker, we were both struck by how well the millionaire and the girl he had chosen for his first mini-date were getting along—from their badinage you’d think they’d known each other for years. Then E.S. and I had the following conversation.
FAUSTUS: He picked her because she has a personality.
E.S.: He picked her because they have similar defensive structures. They both use humor to protect themselves, so they feel safe and comfortable with each other.
FAUSTUS: That’s why I didn’t like you when we went out the first time!
E.S.: You still don’t like me.
FAUSTUS: Well, right, but—we have different defensive structures.
E.S.: No we don’t.
FAUSTUS: Yes we do.
E.S.: We’re both avoidant.
FAUSTUS: I use humor as a defensive structure. You’re not funny.
E.S.: You use narcissism as a defensive structure. You think you’re funny.
FAUSTUS: Get away from me.
Um, you’re a genius. I hope you know that.
And E.S. is hilarious.
Badinage? You couldn’t just say banter? You had to give me something to look up! For a moment, I thought it might be akin to frottage, but then I found the true meaning. *sigh*
This is why you have such a loyal following. All I do at my blog is post things like photos of hot rugby players, and no one wants to see that!
Wait, what’s wrong with this picture? Witty writing is carrying the day. Does this mean there really is hope for our twisted species? Scary!