You know how sometimes you say things and then realize that what you said is completely nonsensical, even though they don’t strike you as weird and sound perfectly natural. Let me give you an example. Today, a co-worker was kind enough to give me a ride home (thanks Cameron). On the way, he called a girl he’s been hanging out with. Now, I’ve heard about this girl and talked about her with him at work, but I’ve never met her. If we were the only two people in an elevator, I’d never know who she was.
Regardless, as I was leaving the car, I said “And tell *girl* (name not disclosed to protect the innocent) I said ‘hi.’” It seemed like a perfectly natural closing comment until I think… “wait a second, I’ve never met that girl.” I mean, if Cameron were to pick her up for her date tonight and say, “oh yeah, Lewis says hi.” She’d probably say, “Cool. Who’s Lewis?” “A co-worker.” “Why’d he say hi?” “I dunno. He just said to say hi.” “So… what are we doing tonight?” “Digging up graves in honor of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb.”
I wouldn’t want to be the source of such an awkward conversation. So why did I tell her to say I said hi? I don’t know. Just… don’t do it unless you know the indirect object of your salutation. Life’s little lessons.
