Having a Ball

Recently I found myself sitting around a table with a large group of acquaintances. The conversation was about this and that - nothing particularly interesting. Until, that is, the man sitting opposite me, who had been telling us about a recent encounter with someone, said - and I forget his exact words, but it was close to "Get me a ball gag."

My first reaction was surprise, then I laughed nervously but looked around to see if anyone interpreted my laugh as understanding. That's when I began to examine the reactions of the others around the table.

A few laughed loudly and appreciatively. Some merely smiled. More remained silent and impassive. I wondered about that last group. Did they understand the term? (It isn't exactly a common household item in most homes, and it's only since I have been actively reading spanking blogs that I've become aware of their existence.) Were they shocked? Disgusted? Mystified? Oblivious? It was all over in an instant, so maybe some of the group missed the reference.

Then I wondered how my own reaction had been interpreted. Was I someone in the know? Or just someone laughing along with the group? Did I look like I was offended? Finally I pondered the possibilities concerning the man who started it all. Why would he think of referring to a ball gag if he wasn't familiar with them, or if he didn't think his audience would understand?

What do you think is the best way to handle an unexpected reference like that?