Thongs

Today in qualitative research methods I told a story about miscommunication.  They couldn't help but laugh at me.  I need to remember sometimes my stories are NOT appropriate.

Here it is... setting the scene -- Walking into Target.  I was 18 years old with my mom.  It was spring.

Mom: "Emily, I am going to go look for thongs."
Me eyes bugging out- red face- flustered: "What?!"
Mom: "I need some thongs... where do you think they are?"
Me: "That's disgusting and that isn't appropriate for a MOM!"
Mom: "What are you talking about..... OOOOO, that's gross Emily!  I'm looking for sandals."
Me: "Those are flip flops.  I'm scarred for life Bill."

Yes, I am still scarred 6 years later and shared that in one of my grad courses.  Their reaction was various: the instructor put his head on the table, many students laughed, some moaned, and I turned red.  Quite the variation!

Public please be aware that sandals should only be called sandals or flip flops. Not anything else.