I've finally done it. I've chosen The Perfect Fall-Back Reply to the frequently asked question, "Why did you move to Denmark?" It's short, impersonal, mostly true, and doesn't elicit further questioning.
It's my post title: Seemed like a good idea at the time.
You might wonder why I don't just pull out the actual reason, seeing as it's what really happened, but I've got to say: the truth, at length, is a bit of a pain to retell. It's a lot of explaining. Sure, I can give a short and simple "my husband got a two-year post-doc position at a government lab so I tagged along," and pray that it suffices, but without fail there will be 500-million follow-up questions (which I'm not particularly inclined to share with a complete stranger), my absolute favorite of which is: "YOU'RE MARRIED?! I don't believe you!" ... Seriously, people, I don't know what you're trying to imply by asking this, but I'm thinking whatever it is, it's probably rude.
So you can see why I prefer my fall-back reply. They tend to assume I'm either an airhead or some kind of gypsy and leave it at that.
Other responses I have tried (mostly untrue):
I'm an exchange student. (This is what they assume anyway.)
Well, I'm a short brunette who loves sunshine and hates winter clothing; so ... I blame Murphy.
In a previous life, I was a vicious viking named Erp. (This one is a huge hit.)
I'm searching for my missing helmet. (Offended someone.)
I came for the Roskilde Festival last year and never left.
Shhh, I'm here illegally. (Elicits awkward silence.)
I'm in DENMARK?!
(I've had quite a bit of fun with this, as you can see.)
Jut so you know, I'm always open to suggestions for new fall-back replies. If you happen upon any, drop me a line.
LOL Love the last one.
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