In. Appropriate.

in·ap·pro·pri·ate: adj. not appropriate; not proper or suitable

One of my favorite patrons is known around the library for his "inappropriate comments". He will often start a conversation with you or ask you a question prefaced with, "Now, this might be inappropriate, but...."

I like to think that it is kind of like that Southern colloquialism "bless your heart". You can say just about anything about another person as long as you preface it with "Bless their heart". (There is even a book about it! )

1.""You know, it's amazing that even though she had that baby 7 months after they got married, bless her heart, it weighed 10 pounds!"

2. "You don’t scream obscenities at little old ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway. You just say,"Bless her heart” … and go your own way."

2. "Bless her heart, she can't help being ugly, but she could've stayed home."

See what I mean?

Anyway. This patron often says inappropriate comments to me. Often. Like every day.

- "This might be considered inappropriate, but you work all the time. Are you sure you get enough time to yourself........for you know......?

- "This might be inappropriate, but really, are you seeing anyone?

- "This might be inappropriate, but you just have the most powerful eyes."

And the worst one of all......"Now, I know this might be inappropriate, but I just have to know. With you wearing that shirt, and the way it fits you just so......

..........Are you pregnant?"

This poor man. He must flat out CRAZY, bless his heart.