Years ago, I was invited to visit the home of then Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott. It was the first time a U.S. Senator had allowed me to see how he lived in private and I was quite nervous. Not surprisingly, his home exuded a warm southern charm, just like his wife Tricia, and it was neat and orderly, just like Trent Lott. Correct that – it was immaculate.
I studiously avoided touching anything that could drop, break, shatter, or otherwise disrupt such a perfect home. I had been in the door not 60 seconds when Mrs. Lott asked me if I wanted a freshly powdered donut. I glanced at the Senator, perfectly quaffed as always, and then looked down at the couch that would clearly show the results of any unintended accident, immediately recognizing that there was no table to prevent such a mishap. What would I tell the impeccable Senator if the donut should fall from my plate onto his impeccable sofa?
So while my eyes said yes, my lips said no. But no is not an acceptable answer for a proper southern lady wishing to truly welcome her guest. Noticing that I was actively avoiding both food and furniture, she held the donut over the floor and said with a smile, “If I drop it, will that make you comfortable enough that you’ll have something to eat?” She knew a dramatic gesture was needed to put me at ease.
It was the perfect welcome for the wary guest and I still smile about it today. And yes, I had that donut.
