How far do you go to avoid speaking the truth when a guy harps over his disgustingly ugly bike insisting that you say something about it? Do you tell the truth, lie or change the subject? I've found this is rarely a win-win situation. I for one always change the subject but that usually gets a, "...check out this (hideous add-on)" or something.

 

I would simply say something like "to each their own"

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

Remember, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." It looks cool to him/her, so just say, "wow, cool!" and then compliment him/her on something you sincerely DO like about it.

Check out my bike in my signature - most people (Americans mostly) think the anniversary paint job is butt-ugly and looks like Duracell battery, but I totally dig it and think she's gorgeous!

EDIT:
Dang! Dave beat me to it...

 

How about, "Wow! That bike really jumps out at you."

 

I bite my tongue and try to remember that none of my $$$ went into it so it's really none of my biz, unless of course you're askin' what I honestly think. In that case I keep my mouth shut. (not that that happens very often)
Dissing someone's ride to their face is just bad form, IMO.

CN

 

In situations like that, you can just apply your own scale and still speak the truth.

i.e. pretty cool is only slightly above pretty bad - of course the other guy doesn't really need to know that.

 

Wow, cool!

 

How about just move on to the next thread and say nothing? If you can't say anything nice.......

 

I will tell it like it is. No B.S.