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Well-wishers beware

Posted by: Stephen Baker on July 31

A neighbor just urged me to “Have a safe trip.” I might be inclined to say that to someone flying into a war zone, but do we really need it for the Portland-Newark red-eye? For me, Have a safe trip” means “Hope you don’t get killed.” It focuses on the negative, to put it mildly. Am I being oversensitive, or are we a timorous, risk-obsessed culture? What ever happened to Bon Voyage and Happy Trails?

Reader Comments

flypig

August 1, 2006 04:44 AM

Well, Chinese people always say "have a safe trip" (一路平安) to friends before they take a train or plane to another place. It's just a good wish.

schadenfreudisch

August 1, 2006 11:05 AM

dude, relax. people have been saying, "have a safe trip" long before the current terrorist/disaster/power-of-fear era. if you let it get to you then they've won.

have a nice day.

steve baker

August 1, 2006 12:16 PM

OK, agreed, I was hearing it before 9-11. But it still points to the risks of travel, and not the rewards. And plus, while it makes sense to remember to have a safe trip while driving, what are you supposed to do when flying? Duck your head into the cockpit to make sure the pilot's sober? Ask some probing questions while checking in about weather patterns en route?

nenz

August 3, 2006 02:19 PM

Yes. You are WAY over sensitive.
Does "How are you?" deserve any answer other than "Fine?" So just say "Thank You." when someone wishes you a safe trip.

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