For TRUE sympathy guys would rather commiserate over a beer.
Cards are for when you need it ON RECORD that you were sympathetic: (The boss’s wife had a bad hair day; the Ex-Mother-in-Law’s cat died; etc.). Thus “Feigned Sincerity”.
Women tend to send cards for no apparent reason. Or any reason at all.
My husband buys beautiful blank cards and writes his own verses in them. He’s been doing it for twenty five years with increasing sincere emotion and delightful humor. In his mind, all commercial greeting cards express feigned emotion. But, I know women who would be very grateful for any card at all.
@harrietbe - Mine, too! ‘Course mine is an English prof so the cards never live up to his expectations. In a pinch, he may buy one with a sentiment but they’re usually short but sweet and he makes further comment. My ex- was too cheap to buy any card - period! My sons made me cards when they were little. Now, one takes after my ex and never sends any and the other, bless his heart, will automatically add his brother’s name when he sends a card. Funny how that goes, no?
Women don’t need “feigned sincerity” cards because they can buy the blank ones and write it in, thus further adding to the falsehood by handwriting the message.
I have the software to design and print my own cards; I often do for kids because it’s cool having it personalized with their name.
For an adult, I think it feels cheap, even though I put a lot of work in the design, finding the right graphics, and so on; while I put about 30 seconds’ effort into picking one off the rack. I would prefer to roll my own, but how would it be percieved?
It was always hard to buy a card for my ex. I refused to buy one from the right-hand rack and the left-hand rack never had my true emotions listed… “On this special day, I’d like to say, I loathe you in every way” :)
Why doesn’t the greeting card industry ever write cards for people like myself and Mirthiful? Maybe one that says; “Of all the people I celebrate an Anniversary with, You are my least favorite!”
steverino–years ago, I took a photo of a stamp design I thought was very Christmasy and spent a lot of time in the dark room getting it right and developing and printing them all by hand. I then glued them onto red or green stock paper, handlettered each one individually and mailed them out (using extra postage since it was overweight). Very, very few of my friends took the time to thank me for my personal touch. I haven’t done that since.
I think all commercial cards are a waste- and can’t afford all the postage. One of my sons sends me funny cards that he picks out and I enjoy them- the other kids usuallly call- which I enjoy more (but he calls too). This year I have no new developments and will send mostly a greeting on the net. I’ll mail a card cards to a few elderly or otherwise internet challenged people. Family and friends can keep up with me on Facebook or my occasional group emails. I always answer all personal emails too.
rayannina over 13 years ago
How dare you, Wiley! HOW DARE YOU DENIGRATE MY FEIGNED SINCERITY!
pouncingtiger over 13 years ago
After hearing that rayannina was upset, Wiley “feign”-ted.
Sisyphos over 13 years ago
Sexist! What about the direct female market? Or is that the other stall?
The question, then, becomes, why are male sales higher by far?
Nebulous Premium Member over 13 years ago
For TRUE sympathy guys would rather commiserate over a beer. Cards are for when you need it ON RECORD that you were sympathetic: (The boss’s wife had a bad hair day; the Ex-Mother-in-Law’s cat died; etc.). Thus “Feigned Sincerity”.
Women tend to send cards for no apparent reason. Or any reason at all.
wascherer over 13 years ago
I have Feign Interest in this strip…
harrietbe over 13 years ago
My husband buys beautiful blank cards and writes his own verses in them. He’s been doing it for twenty five years with increasing sincere emotion and delightful humor. In his mind, all commercial greeting cards express feigned emotion. But, I know women who would be very grateful for any card at all.
Superfrog over 13 years ago
Ah, I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.
Dryden over 13 years ago
Blatant anti-male sexism.
Barbaratoo over 13 years ago
@harrietbe - Mine, too! ‘Course mine is an English prof so the cards never live up to his expectations. In a pinch, he may buy one with a sentiment but they’re usually short but sweet and he makes further comment. My ex- was too cheap to buy any card - period! My sons made me cards when they were little. Now, one takes after my ex and never sends any and the other, bless his heart, will automatically add his brother’s name when he sends a card. Funny how that goes, no?
alan.gurka over 13 years ago
Women don’t need “feigned sincerity” cards because they can buy the blank ones and write it in, thus further adding to the falsehood by handwriting the message.
Barbaratoo over 13 years ago
Just read the Wizard of Id strip - these two comics complement each other today.
tsouthworth over 13 years ago
I’ll get this started: Is he looking at the Republican rack or the Democratic one? (heh, heh, heh) Or where’s the third choice?
i’ll slink away now…
steverinoCT over 13 years ago
I have the software to design and print my own cards; I often do for kids because it’s cool having it personalized with their name. For an adult, I think it feels cheap, even though I put a lot of work in the design, finding the right graphics, and so on; while I put about 30 seconds’ effort into picking one off the rack. I would prefer to roll my own, but how would it be percieved?
Thoughts?
…and tsouthworth: shame, shame, shame. ;)
mirthiful over 13 years ago
It was always hard to buy a card for my ex. I refused to buy one from the right-hand rack and the left-hand rack never had my true emotions listed… “On this special day, I’d like to say, I loathe you in every way” :)
freeholder1 over 13 years ago
Should actually be the “Shortest Possible Feigned Message” for guys. Might want to put up a dollar store sign along with it.
Let’s face it We could care less about giving a message other than a gift and women are the verbal ones so let it rest at that.
thirdguy over 13 years ago
Why doesn’t the greeting card industry ever write cards for people like myself and Mirthiful? Maybe one that says; “Of all the people I celebrate an Anniversary with, You are my least favorite!”
Oh, and Darkeforce is the winner today!
Possum Pete over 13 years ago
^ Or “Can I get a do-over?”
alan.gurka over 13 years ago
steverino–years ago, I took a photo of a stamp design I thought was very Christmasy and spent a lot of time in the dark room getting it right and developing and printing them all by hand. I then glued them onto red or green stock paper, handlettered each one individually and mailed them out (using extra postage since it was overweight). Very, very few of my friends took the time to thank me for my personal touch. I haven’t done that since.
Can't Sleep over 13 years ago
Ah, yes, cards for when you want to send the very least…
vldazzle over 13 years ago
I think all commercial cards are a waste- and can’t afford all the postage. One of my sons sends me funny cards that he picks out and I enjoy them- the other kids usuallly call- which I enjoy more (but he calls too). This year I have no new developments and will send mostly a greeting on the net. I’ll mail a card cards to a few elderly or otherwise internet challenged people. Family and friends can keep up with me on Facebook or my occasional group emails. I always answer all personal emails too.