"Wow, your husband is so handsome!"

[Anonymous]

This what what I said to another mother at tennis when I saw her husband walk toward us. She gave me the dirtiest look I have ever received and walked away from me.

We have been friendly and chit-chatty all summer and I really didn't mean anything by it - just that I'd never seen him before and he is very handsome. He is. She is a very attractive, tall and trim woman as well. I'm happily married - she has met my DH - and she has to know I'm not after her husband.

Seriously, was I that wrong?!!

[Anonymous]

You don't know if she and he are having trouble. Maybe she can't trust DH and this is about him being easy on the eyes of other women. I'd shrug it off.

[Anonymous]

Maybe it came off as if you were surprised that someone like her would have a handsome husband.

[Anonymous]

Yes, OP, that was stupid and you know it. Grow up.

[Anonymous]

Maybe because you sounded so surprised?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it came off as if you were surprised that someone like her would have a handsome husband.

That's why I mentioned how very pretty she was. Obviously, it was a compliment but maybe I was too enthusiastic about it. I don't know... UGH! I have another month with her and now I feel like a jerk.

[Anonymous]

What were you talking about leading up to the comment?

[Anonymous]

Have your husband come with you to tennis next time, to signal that you're not on the prowl! Maybe she thought you were going to make a play for him, but it sounds like she overreacted. You were just stating a fact!

[Anonymous]

Don't sweat it, OP. Women tell me how handsome my husband is all the time. An elderly woman once said to me, "He is so handsome I almost drooled!" It's a compliment and she should have said "thank you" or made a joke.

In the next few months you are going to hear that they are getting a divorce - her reaction was too over the top to be anything but a reaction to something you touched on but know nothing about.

[Anonymous]

OP, you do not have to say ever thought you have. I do not think what you said was "that bad," but when in doubt, keep the comment in your head - and don't release it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What were you talking about leading up to the comment?

I don't know - the kids, tennis, dinner... He was walking toward us and he waved to her and she said, "That's my husband" or "Here's my husband" and I said, "wow, your husband is so handsome."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't sweat it, OP. Women tell me how handsome my husband is all the time. An elderly woman once said to me, "He is so handsome I almost drooled!" It's a compliment and she should have said "thank you" or made a joke.

In the next few months you are going to hear that they are getting a divorce - her reaction was too over the top to be anything but a reaction to something you touched on but know nothing about.

+1 - not that a lot of women have ever told my my DH was handsome but I don't think her reaction was appropriate. Too over the top.

[Anonymous]

Yet another extra touchy person who makes me just want to avoid people in general.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it's inappropriate. I'm not offended when people say this to me at all. I just say thank you and agree with them.

She may have trust issues or who knows? You just have no idea. Don't sweat it. I think her reaction says more about her than it does about you.

[Anonymous]

She should have just laughed and said "Thanks, I'm a lucky woman!" Don't feel bad.