Best learn how to handle the brown-nosers as quickly as possible, chaps

People with long experience in handling brown-nosers know how to signal, without being rude, the fact that they know the brown-noser’s game and are neither impressed nor vulnerable to flattery.

They say ‘thank you’ with a slight tinge of frost around the edges, immediately change the subject, and if at all possible, move on.

Then they file the person away as ‘brown-noser – to be dismissed’.

So how do you tell the brown-nosers apart from the genuine people?

Oh, just common sense. Body language, facial expression, choice of words, tone of voice…

Our new Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi has a hell of a lot of learning to do now that she is in a position where all sorts of people are going to think that she is a useful person to know, even if they wouldn’t have given her the time of day six months ago and will not be giving her the time of day when it’s all over.

Here she is, embarrassing herself on Facebook:

I would like to share with you the following message received in my private mail box:

” Followed you on Bondi+ I’m positively impressed by your honesty, straight forward speaking and clear independent thinking . Had never heard you before. Malta has a worthy representative in the European Parliament . Congratulations.”

I replied “”Tks a million Dr. X .Coming from you, this comment is particularly appreciated. Thank you.””

“”Welcome . Your merit not mine . I value honesty above all else . The clarity and spontaneity in all your replies and positions evidence a fiercely independent and truthful thinker. I like and respect that. Good day.””

This is a message from a well known, successful, NATIONALIST – with no chip on his shoulders ,no envy and no grudges.

For God’s sake, Mrs Mizzi. A woman of 60 should have far clearer insight into human nature than that. How can you possibly believe that, despite your having been on various television discussion shows for years and years, this man just so happened to tune in to Bondi+ last week when you were on, and was so impressed that he decided to send you a PRIVATE message in your Facebook inbox.

Ask yourself why he kept the message private, when he wasn’t flirting.

Ask yourself why he got in touch with praise and flattery now, when he never did so before. It wasn’t because he’s only just noticed you. It’s because you’ve just been elected to the European Parliament and might come in useful.

That’s life and most particularly Maltese men and women, Mrs Mizzi. It’s a bit late in the day to be learning these lessons.

Another point: publicly parading your private messages of praise is vulgar. Gushing, voluble, over-the-top praise should make you feel awkward and embarrassed – because it is rude and strangely enough, an act of aggression in its own way – so feel worried if you feel differently.