You have too much time on your hands 1

[ESquared]

What is your impression of the phrase, "you have too much time on your hands?"

I am always slightly miffed when people tell me this, because to me it means something like "I don't approve of your activity" or "only a fool would be interested in something so boring" or "what you've done is totally worthless." It's been said to me many times in my life, usually when someone is viewing art I have done or they see I have spent time on some pursuit they have no interest in, such as mathematics.

Depending on the thing that the person is reacting to, it makes me want to respond "at least I don't suffer from a total lack of creativity" or "excuse me for wasting my time on something not important to you" or "for you it *would* be a waste of time to try your hand at it."

Of course, I don't say any of those, but instead just grumble a little.

Am I wrong? If it's not derogatory, what exactly does it mean? Why say it at all? If you ever tell people this, what kind of response do you expect?

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It is better to have honor than a good reputation.
(Reputation is what other people think about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.)

 

[ESquared]

I've learned that it is possible to receive this phrase positively. I can see it as an expression of mild envy, either of available time or talent or interest. I can see it as an emotional message by a loved one who is feeling distant. I can see it as a reminder about work priorities in a business situation. If it's none of these, *then* I can become peeved at the insult.

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It is better to have honor than a good reputation.
(Reputation is what other people think about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.)