Cold hands, warm heart
This is one of those things that people say without really thinking. Apparently, it is a way of reassuring people who are embarrassed by their cold hands that they have nothing to worry about and are actually kind and loving people. Why would anyone be embarrassed by having blocks of ice for hands?
Why don’t people just say, ‘I don’t think your cold hands indicate anything about your character or personality’ or just say nothing at all?
My first heading for this post was ‘cold feet, warm heart’ but that didn’t sound right and I soon realised my mistake. My feet are really cold at the moment, on this summer day, almost half-way through August. My advice to those who have cold feet is, ‘Get yourself a warm dog.’
Lovely Gilbert snuggled up to my Arctic toes, but clearly they were so cold that he couldn’t stand the discomfort for long and scurried away to tuck himself up with his furry feline friend (love the alluring alliteration!)
If cold hands really did indicate a warm heart and the reverse were true – i.e. warm hands, cold heart - I would be the most unfeeling female in the universe. My hands are always warm, almost always, anyway (really getting into the alliteration today)
Enough of this nonsense. It’s time to watch some more Olympians. The climbing competitions have been astonishing, especially the speed climbing. The competitors go up the wall like rats up a drainpipe, or goats up a mountain.
Did you know (and do you care) that synchronised swimming has now been renamed, relabelled, rebadged, ‘artistic swimming’? I admire the considerable skills involved but still find the twirling toes amusing.
TTFN
Later: Just now watching the artistic swimming teams - they are amazing. Working underwater, keeping in time with the rest of the team, the athletic, gymnastic, balletic and choreographic artistry is quite outstanding - and I haven't even seen the Chinese team yet. They must not touch the bottom of the pool. which would give them an extra lift. Extraordinary!
How long can you hold your breath underwater?
Later still: the Chinese were brilliant!
My hands and feet are really cold a lot of the time. Not sure what that says about me lol
ReplyDeleteYou're a really cool person ;-))
DeleteWe do tend to get apologetic about the cold hands thing don't we.....it is daft when you think about it.......
ReplyDeleteThen there's that idea that cold hands make good pastry.....hmmm....good theory but not sure it " makes a h' aporths worth of difference " as my dear old mum would have said.
Alison in Wales x
I'm sure your mum was right, Alison:-)
DeleteWhen working I used to attend a lot of meetings that were preceded by a bout of hand shaking. I was always dealing with expressions of concern, "Ooh dear, your hands are cold" etc, and I would constantly have to utter reassurances that I was feeling absolutely fine!
ReplyDeleteIt's strange, because we don't comment if someone's hands are hot, or sweaty (ugh!)
DeleteMy grandmother said not to judge a person by their non-kissy exterior.... they may have a very warm soul but are too embarrassed or fearful to show it straight away.
ReplyDeleteWise woman, your grandmother.
DeleteLike you I have warm hands and cold feet, no dog here, just lovely slippers.
ReplyDeleteAt least your slippers don't desert you!
DeleteMy hands and feet are always cold, even in summer ..must be the climate up here...
ReplyDeleteMove a few miles down the hill, JayCee.
DeleteCold hands and warm heart is right for my favorite "inmate" when it's hot she can easily cool my very warm hands, (like yours) she has a golden heart and helps wherever she can. And I am as you a monster with warm hands !
ReplyDeleteThat is so nice and good to see that there's truth in the old saying.
DeleteI used to have cold hands a lot of the time, now I'm of a certain age no part of me is cold very often. I wouldn't last long underwater, I'm rubbish at holding my breath.
ReplyDeleteThat made me laugh!
DeleteGetting a warm dog to keep hands warm is a good idea
ReplyDeleteCats can help, too.
DeleteI'll stop commenting before I start. But, I could once hold my breath for four minutes. I expect a missal will arrive from Gilbert with a pointed description of your cold toes.
ReplyDeleteNow, I'm curious. Holding your breath for four minutes . . . whatever were you doing, Andrew?
ReplyDeleteDue to a circulatory issue, my hands and feet (but especially my hands) are always cold. The impaired circulation causes or worsens interesting issues in my fingers such as constant fingernail infections and cracking of nails, which definitely does not warm my heart. So, do I have a warm heart? I don't think it's as warm as the hearts of other people I know.
ReplyDeletePoor or impaired circulation is a problem. I hope you have effective treatment for it. I certainly don't think it affects your empathy:-)
DeleteWe've got the same saying here in Belgium. I've never actually wondered about it, but now I do :-)
ReplyDeleteI saw "artistic swimming" mentioned a couple of days ago, which actually made me laugh and roll my eyes. I'd no idea it was synchronised swimming and was imagining all sorts :-)) xxx
Why are perfectly sensible names changed? It makes no sense at all.
DeleteI am glad you have Gilbert to keep your feet warm. I need a nose cosey! Enjoyed the article, thank you :) We have been watching the Olympics, and I particularly like track but have watched other sports.
ReplyDeleteA nose cosy would be a splendid thing :-))
DeleteChinese medicine has a lot to say about feet. Mine are always cold and I massage them almost daily. I like to think that it is beneficial!
ReplyDeleteA foot massage is wonderful, especially if someone else does it.
DeleteI have cold feet in winter, but I think my heart is warm all year round. :~) Hubby has warm feet so I wriggle my feet up next to his. We haven't watched much of the Olympics yet, except for highlights on the evening news.
ReplyDeleteHusbands are useful for some things ;-)
ReplyDelete