I have touched the lives of many

Question

Recently a friend graduating from graduate school sent me a card commemorating the occasion. In it, she thanked friends for their support and sort of listed her achievements. Among other things, she said that she had used her education to "touch the lives of countless people." She has lived all her life in the US. I'm from a western European country, and found the concept of herself touching other people's lives (as opposed to other people touching her life) very pretentious and self-centered. In my view, we are not to say who we touch but who we are touched by. It made me really uncomfortable rather than happy for her. Is this just me not being in tune with the culture? Is it appropriate to use that phrase? Thanks for the input.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,
The idiom
Mary touched the lives of countless people
normally means that Mary had a very positive effect on the lives of many, many people.
I agree with you that it's not something one would normally say about oneself. One might say it about Mother Teresa.

Perhaps your friend just does not really understand the idiom? Perhaps she thinks it just means that she has met a lot of people?

Best wishes, Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks, Clive. No, I think she understands the idiom. She's referring to "underserved communities" with which she has worked.

Thanks,

Celine

I have touched the lives of many

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