Really?

My new favorite word. Really. You can say so much with one word, your tone of voice, and a look. I have discovered that I can say whole sentences with that one word. It's amazing...Really!

Here are a few examples.

Tone: disbelieving
Look: One raised eyebrow
Word: Really?
Meaning: Have you lost your mind? You truly plan on shoving 1/2 a burrito into your mouth and then trying to talk around it and tell me about your day? REALLY?

Tone: laughing
Look: smile
Word: Really?
Meaning: I heard that pickup line in second grade. Not only is your line older than your mother, but I'M older than your mother! Get a grip, and a girlfriend that is in 5th grade! (By the way, I teach sixth grade...)

Tone: flat
Look: bored
Word: Really?
Meaning: Just in case you can't tell, I don't care what you're taking about. Not only do I not care, I'm not going to start caring. I can't believe I'm wasting my time sitting here listening to you when I could be searching the building for chocolate...REALLY!


See what I mean? There is just no limit to what I can communicate using tone, a look, and one word. The sky is the limit - Really!