How do you respond when someone states 'I wish I could do that.'?

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  1. Nancy B. profile image73
    Nancy B.posted 13 years ago

    How do you respond when someone states 'I wish I could do that.'?

    I was showing a sweater I had made to my knitting group and while speaking on the type of yarn and construction methods used I was interrupted by another member, who crochets, with 'I wish I could knit things like that.' This happens whenever a member of the group shows a completed item that is knit. Offers have been made to teach her how to knit.

  2. profile image0
    Arlene V. Pomaposted 13 years ago

    I would do nothing unless this member of your group gets serious and appears with knitting needles and yarn--pushing one of you or more of you to show her how to knit NOW.  I belong to spinning and weaving groups with members into the craft for as long as 25 years.  I just got started, and I've been the one to say, "I wish I could spin/weave like that."  It can be overwhelming to be surrounded by people who can show off their work.  But, I don't do anything other than beginning stuff I can handle because these women know that writing is my #1 passion.  Everything else takes a backseat.  Whene er she says something like this, take it as a compliment.  Or at least until she gets serious about wanting to learn how to knit--then you can teach her.  Until then, don't make her a project and push her to learn.  At this point, she is simply admiring the finished work.

  3. JEDIJESSICUH profile image82
    JEDIJESSICUHposted 13 years ago

    If they were really serious about what they wish they could do like me, then I would attempt to help them. Otherwise, I'd smile graciously and take it as a compliment.

  4. wychic profile image84
    wychicposted 13 years ago

    In that particular instance, I'd say, "It's easy! Just learn the basic stitches, then practice for X years."

    In most instances, I just don my best innocent look and say, "Why can't you?" Which may be followed by, "How long have you tried?" I do beaded micro-macrame and also sculpt OOAK art dolls, and people are always telling me this...or the, "I'd love to do that stuff, but I don't have the time." I think it's complete horse...cookies...and usually tell them so in only a slightly nicer way. You can find time for whatever is important to you -- this is what I do in lieu of watching TV (or while I'm watching a movie) and I don't waste my time gaming online, I don't spend countless hours with friends, and I have an intense aversion to spending time on the phone unless there is a very definite goal for the phone call.

  5. Loi-Renee profile image72
    Loi-Reneeposted 13 years ago

    When people say that to me I sometimes say "Really? Its pretty easy. Give it a try and if you need some help I'll be glad to give you a hand." They hardly ever make a comment like that again.

 
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