I Really Don't Want to See Your Collection, Thank You

Columnist Adrian Chamberlain writes on Canada's Times Colonist website, "You have a friend whose hobby is stamp collecting. And he (because it will be a he) is keen to show you his collection. In a perfect world, you could say: 'I couldn't care less about tiny bits of paper once attached to that archaic form of communication known as the 'letter'. So please shut up and never raise the subject again."

According to Chamberlain, "And in this perfect world, your friend would understand. He would offer a humble apology and suggest a refreshing trip to the pub."

He goes on to pen, "But I've found such discourse doesn't wash in polite society. People label these kinds of remarks as 'rude,' 'inappropriate" and 'evidence of being socially maladjusted.' So you have no choice but to nod your head politely while your friend repeatedly uses the word  'philately' and goes on and on about his 1859 Canadian beaver stamp."

To read his entire column, click here.