The Walls Have Ears

Have you ever been in a situation where you are "discussing" with a friend another person, only to turn around and see that other person nearby -- possibly within earshot?

That happened to me on Sunday. I was sitting in Relief Society next to one of my neighbors and we were discussing visiting teaching. I had recently discovered that this neighbor had become my new visiting teacher, but she hasn't had a chance to visit yet. Her companion has been my visiting teacher for over a year and rarely visits. My neighbor, "T" and I got to talking about "R" and the conversation turned to "R's daughter," who is 11. "R" is very successful in her career and her husband also has a great job so they are not want for much -- they are always traveling to this place and that place, wearing designer clothes, remodeling their home, etc. As a result, "R's daughter" tends to be a bit snobby. That's what "T" and I were discussing, and the fact that "R's daughter" has her own cell phone. I didn't think we were very loud, but when I turned around to check the clock I saw "R" sitting in the back, about 4 rows behind us.

Suddenly, it seemed that "T" and I had been shouting our conversation because I got that sinking feeling and I felt 2 inches tall. I like "R." She is a neat lady -- she's just not very consistent in her promises to visit me, and I don't agree with her avenues of parenting. I feel bad for talking about her like that.

"T" does not like "R" and is not happy to be companions with her. I like them both, but maybe not as a companionship. The dilemma now is whether I do anything to apologize to "R." It's possible that she heard us. There is also the possibility that she didn't.

I should learn my lesson and remember the counsel of my parents: "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Sigh.