4 ms·

We Brits are the masters of allusive and indirect speech, and I would automatically automatically strip of both pieces of bread translate that to "you're readin

• cperciva 12y ago
  Yes, I would automatically parse the "bread" as being boilerplate politeness -- but as with most forms of politeness, I would probably feel differently about the speaker if it wasn't there.
• r00fus 12y ago
  Not everyone auto-parses. Unless you really know who you're talking to, it makes sense to add the "bread/condiments" to the sandwich.
• thothamon 12y ago
  I think you have to take each individual differently. Most folks react well to the criticism sandwich. Someone like you might prefer a more direct approach, as long as it is not phrased in a mean way. At some point in my career, I stopped taking criticism personally. I just realized I was wrong so often that upholding the pretense that I knew it all was too hard. For that reason, I prefer direct suggestions. If I was teaching a child or a new beginner, I would start with a lot of praise that they're even trying. I want to get them some early wins to help boost their confidence.