The Almighty "We'll See"

Isn't it funny when people say yes when what they really mean is no. Well, funny is the wrong term. Peculiar might be better. It would be helpful if these people came with English subtitles but then again it only takes a few times of having people do this to you to wise up. 

But when people say yes and mean it they're giving you two things: one of the shortest single word sentences in the English language and arguably the most positive one. In some languages they don't have a word for yes. I don't know what they say but I suppose it may be something like certainly or I understand or go with my blessing.

Some English-speaking people seem to never say yes, even though it's readily available for use. In my earlier days that was a mystery to me. I figured they either weren't a permissive person or had a fear of commitment. They'd say we'll see (my mother's favorite term). Ambiguous as it may be, I've recently come to the conclusion that saying we'll see is smart at least some of the time because, you know, sh*t happens and it's difficult to have to change your mind from a solid yes to a solid no without hours of explanation and possible cancellation fees. Going up or down from a we'll see is less of a dramatic jump.

Then there are the times we say yes to ourselves when we should be saying we'll see. This happens when our emotions enter commando mode and perform a coup d'état on the logical part of our mind. In other words; we either make snap decisions against our better judgement, or perhaps someone (namely you in a weak moment) has put it on your bucket (pronounced boo-kay?) list.

Such scenarios may be more understandable in a reckless youth when our bones are more flexible and our brains are not fully formed but with the recent passing of yet another year of life here, I'm understanding the full value of not saying the 'y' word too rashly because the next thing you know you are making a terrible mistake with no possibility of gracefully turning back and, in the case of activities such as bungee jumping, sky diving and swimming with sharks (both human and the other kind); you are putting your well being in serious jeopardy (and in serious violation of several health and safety standards). Screaming like a girl is known to occur at this moment.

We'll see gives you what is called wiggle room. In Canada, we also call it middle-of-the-road politics.

I'm into it.