Have you ever been picky about something? Just want it to be done the way you want it done whether correct or incorrect? As a college major in English and having taught same many years ago, plus writing for newspapers when "proofers" were a spelling savior, I'm still picky.
Here's what drives me up the wall so to speak: "I would like to.." Everybody uses those four words when they really mean something else. "I would like to thank you for coming." "I would like to assure you you'll be well taken care of." "I would like to congratulate you for all that you do for others." "I would like to thank you for your gift."
Doesn't that sound like you're putting off a compliment for another time? Why can't everyone say, "I thank you for coming." "I assure you that you'll be well cared for." "I congratulate you for all that you do for others." "I thank you for your gift."
Let's start a club. We could call it "Say What You Mean WHEN You Mean It (SWYMWYMI)."
ANN E. WEIDMAN,