Be honest - would you say something about the mum instead? Would you say what a nice room you have??????????
2006-10-13 11:03:40 · 43 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
No. I wouldn't lie. I just wouldn't point out the obvious. I would say something like, "Oh, she has alot of hair. Or what a cute outfit". you get the picture.
2006-10-13 11:13:03 · answer #1 · answered by TRULEY MADLY DEEPLEY 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You can always find something honest to encourage a parent with a new baby about.
I've actually recently come across this issue. I have a friend who has three children. The youngest is only a few months old and not at all attractive at this point. Her other two children were not "beautiful" babies, but have grown into lovely toddlers.
Upon meeting her third child, I was caught in a situation where I could not give an honest compliment. So I looked at his features and realized that he had her eyes. With an enthusiastic voice and a smile on my face, I said "Oooh! He has your eyes!"
She was so pleased with the comparison, and with finding a feature that was similar in her and her son, that she was very happy and felt like I was giving her a compliment.
While all children are beautiful in the eyes of their mothers, it's not always the same with people who aren't related to them. I know it's an awful thing, but true.
So if you ever find yourself in that situation, just find features in the child to draw a comparision. Or if a new son is very large (but you don't find him to be cute), say "What a big boy!" If a new daughter is a bit homely, but has long eyelashes, say "What beautiful eyelashes! You'd better watch out for her!"
2006-10-13 11:17:45 · answer #2 · answered by MightyMoose 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
If I looked (bent down to look) and thought it less than pretty, I would possibly say something about 'what an interesting face the child has.'
I have seen such babies, and often I have thought something along the lines of 'An old spirit who's returned.' It's not even what I'd call an 'opinion,' but a thought (like a light going on) that pops into my mind.
Sash.
2006-10-13 11:41:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I recently visited a relative who had a long awaited baby girl. I went along with my mother-in-law whose niece she was. When we were presented with the new born, i noticed some hesitation from my mother in-law, who would usually make all the pleasant noises of how lovely and pretty a baby was.
She says, the baby looks her dad, then it was 'oh! shes got his hairline'. To my disbelief, she added, 'you would need to give the babies nose a good massage now again, because you won't want her to have her dad's nose'. And trust me, the father of the baby has a generous sized nose . I had to stop myself from bursting out cos i hadn't noticed until then.
I later understood from my partner, that his mum mentioned earlier that if the baby looked like her dad, it would be a tragedy! Unbelievable!
Well, to answer your question, I would find something nice to say regardless. The truth of course.
2006-10-13 11:36:45 · answer #4 · answered by esai 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
You could always just say oh you must be so proud! What a tiny little thing...etc. You can be nice and not comment on the "looks" of the baby. Most babies are squinty eyed prune faces at first! *L* Its a special time for them (the parents)...just be nice. If the child is truly not so nice to look at...they probably already know that and off comments won't help anything.
*S*
2006-10-13 11:15:29 · answer #5 · answered by K's Mom 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Ive actually lied to a friend only because I didnt want to offend her, her baby didnt look so cute but after a few months the baby looked adorable and i took back my thoughts from before. I cant offend a new mother, thats just dis-respectful, its a white lie cant do much harm.
2006-10-13 11:12:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Of course you have to lie-you can't hurt the mum's feelings. anyway, a new baby's face is often swollen from the delivery for a good few hours. My friend's little boy is 2 and a half, and I don't like anything about him, but I have to pretend otherwise or she'd never speak to me again. :)
2006-10-13 11:14:42 · answer #7 · answered by Twisty 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
No you would lie. Every baby is beautiful to it's new parents, and have you read the story of the 'Ugly Duckling'? When you have a baby what would you like people to say to you and how would you feel being a proud new parent?
2006-10-13 11:07:47 · answer #8 · answered by mistickle17 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Absolutely, but I can't say I've ever seen a baby that I haven't thought was lovely. Especially my three. Besides, it's nice to be nice.
It's said that there is only one beautiful baby in the world, and every mother/father has it.
2006-10-13 11:15:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I wouldn't necessarily lie, but I certainly wouldn't say anything derogatory about the baby. It's easy to make appropriate baby comments without mentioning appearances. Like someone said, you can say something like, "Oh look, she's smiling!"
2006-10-13 11:21:05 · answer #10 · answered by mockingbird 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋