Intriguing paradox there, Lily. I intended neither to insult nor to complement you, I was just making an observation, it seemed to me like Hix was too (he now points out he intended to be complementary). Quite clearly, I made no value judgements, just pointed out that you are in the niche previously occupied by her. If you admire her so, I'd have thought you'd take it as a complement, if anything.
If it needs to be said, despite you filling the same 'dangley carrot' niche Bryony used to own, there are some differences between you and Bryony which are just as obvious as the similarities. You're clearly a very intelligent person, have filled the role as a choice and are happy with it. Have fun and don't get you knickers in a twist, no matter what their price tag was
Lutz: strange sense of humour? Me? Well, yes, I won't deny it. Funnily enough (would some people count that as a pun?) I was reading through a historical book which spoke about some of my ancestors, a group of semi nomadic Slavic Wends living out in European forests many generations ago, they are said to have had a strange sense of humour. Heh.
To stay on topic, I'd hope that if I bought my girlfriend a pair of undies which cost a notable amount, she'd either:
A: Yell at me and tell me to take them back, then use the money to buy myself some snakes.
B: Yell at me, take them back, then use the money to buy herself some snakes.
C: Assume I'd somehow obtained them without paying for them... then sell them and use the money to buy some snakes.
or
D: Decide I was too stupid to be with and leave.
Snakes or undies, which do you value more highly?