I Like This Story Because I'm in It (Only My Name Has Been Changed to Protect My Privacy; Other Names are Real)

From an email from a friend:

I was hanging out with Joe last night and he recounted a story about you which made me laugh at its inimitable Emily-ness. Joe and his friend were apparently discussing The Great Gatsby when you joined their conversation.

Emily: I read The Great Gatsby; I really enjoyed it.
Joe: Oh you did, did you? Well, it's very good that you liked it.
Emily: Don't condescend to me, I read books!

Narrator: Joe was taken aback by the vehemence of Emily's response. But as he reflected on the exchange, Joe realized that he had indeed been condescending. Joe proceeded to reminisce about the many people who had condescended to him over his life, and how it made him feel. He recollected in particular one girl he had dated in college, who had patronized him at every turn until, one day, Joe exploded. Determining that he abhorred condescension in others, Joe repented his condescending ways and determined never to condescend to Emily again.

I got a tremendous kick out of his discomfiture. Well done, Emily!