How Do You Broach The Subject

[queenofmean]

I have a pen pal from Canada. We have been writing now for 2 years. Recently though she has been saying that she is really happy that I was made redundant last spring. How do I go about explaining that this isn't/wasn't a good thing. Considering all the hassle I had to go through to get my redundancy pay and things. I know that if she's a true friend she will understand (but I've tried before and it still I'm so pleased/happy you were..) I mean yes ok I now have free time to do other things whilst caring for mum but I lost my job/good earnings etc. How do I explain this without being harsh (I can sometimes be too much to the point)

TIA
Queenie

[Retrochic]

Queen of mean -A Quebecoise -then it is very likely she will not understand what redundant from work is as a very similar word 'licencie' means graduation from college -think this is what she thinks you've done!

[phleb]

Ask the pen pal what they mean about happy? and then you can go on to explain what you want them to understand. Don't worry, i am sure you won't come across as being harsh.

[Retrochic]

stuey you've lost me there have no idea what you mean?

[queenofmean]

Thank you Retro - will word it differently and see if it clears up the situation.

I will do phleb - fingers crossed. I hope you are well :)

[phleb]

I am well, thanks you, hope you are too ;-) x

[queenofmean]

Yeah I'm good thanks :) x

[Retrochic]

Queen of mean -try this
ma chère amie, je pense que vous me avez mal compris quand je expliquais que je ai été licencié de son travail. En anglais, nous disons «fait redondante» qui signifie que je ne ai plus un emploi -Je suis un peu triste :-(

"my dear friend I think you have misunderstood me when I was explaining I have been laid off from work. In English we say 'made redundant' which means I no longer have a job -I'm a bit sad :-(

[queenofmean]

Many thanks Retrochic - I will try that. Thank you for your help. I'd better get my skates on and get it written :)

[Retrochic]

You are very welcome Queenofmean -I was born in Quebec and have strong family ties there still. Try and get an invite over - you will not regret it x

[queenofmean]

Canada is somewhere I have always wanted to visit. I have another pen pal in British Columbia and it sounds really nice too (might need to make 2 trips) I shall definitely be putting it on my bucket list :) x

[EDDIE51]

I know a British lady who was on her 1st trip to the USA. On her last day she had to get up early to be at the airport in time. She went to the male reception desk clerk and said '' I have an early flight, so can you come and Knock me up at 6am?'' Poor girl had no idea what ''Knock up'' meant in American slang.
She could not understand why the guy looked bemused .
Just in case people on here do not understand, in the USA / Canada to 'knock someone up' means to make them pregnant ! It is a rather rude way of putting it, rather like 'put me up the duff' in the UK.