Tartan MIS-identification?

[Mr. MacDougall]

I get around this sort of thing by never asking, "is that 'x' tartan?" Or, "Is your dog of 'x' breed?" Instead, I ask, "What tartan is that?" and if it turns out to be what I thought it was, I'll say, "Oh, I thought so. Here's an interesting thing I know about that..."

I'll do that even if I think I know beyond a doubt what tartan (or breed of dog) I'm looking at. It's less presumptuous, and I've been known to be wrong on occasion.

[Clockwork John]

I get around this sort of thing by never asking, "is that 'x' tartan?" Or, "Is your dog of 'x' breed?" Instead, I ask, "What tartan is that?" and if it turns out to be what I thought it was, I'll say, "Oh, I thought so. Here's an interesting thing I know about that..."

I'll do that even if I think I know beyond a doubt what tartan (or breed of dog) I'm looking at. It's less presumptuous, and I've been known to be wrong on occasion.

That's a really good approach. It can potentially save all parties involved alot of embarrassment.

[Monkey@Arms]

I get around this sort of thing by never asking, "is that 'x' tartan?" Or, "Is your dog of 'x' breed?" Instead, I ask, "What tartan is that?" and if it turns out to be what I thought it was, I'll say, "Oh, I thought so. Here's an interesting thing I know about that..."

I'll do that even if I think I know beyond a doubt what tartan (or breed of dog) I'm looking at. It's less presumptuous, and I've been known to be wrong on occasion.

Excellent advice. I've secretly guessed wrong about accents before , and was glad I asked instead.

Arlen,

Sorry to hear about your experience. You handled yourself well. Remember "Against stupidity the very gods
Themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller

Best regards,

Jake