I saw the headline - "I wish I'd known" - it sounds like "Why didn't anybody tell me?" Maybe it is the word "wish" that phrase is about a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attained so there's a sense of longing, yearning and desire. And then put it in the past as in I wish I'd known - isn't that about regret.
We have a more positive view of wish today. It is often paired with best wishes - and likely the most used version is with a birthday - a greeting that gives a positive sentiment for the year ahead. It is still considered good etiquette. Best wishes is much more positive than good luck. That implies it is up to the fates and that we are not our own masters. And best wishes greetings have been with us for centuries. Think of Shakespeare and his many greetings.
Here are a few ways that he said best wishes in his work:
“Heaven give you many, many merry days.” [Mistress Page, Merry Wives of Windsor. Act 5, Scene 5]
“Heaven send thee good fortune.” [Mistress Quickly, Merry Wives of Windsor. Act 3, Scene 4]
“Your heart’s desires be with you.” [Celia, As You Like It. Act 1, Scene 2]
“Lack nothing: be merry.” [Shallow, Henry IVp2. Act 5, Scene 3]
“All days of glory, joy and happiness.” [Lewis, King John. Act 3, Scene 4]
“Fair thought and happy hours attend you.” [Lorenzo, Merchant of Venice. Act 3, Scene 4]
“I wish you all the joy you can wish.” [Gratiano, Merchant of Venice. Act 3, Scene 2]
We are almost at the end of the Trillium Season for Grimsby's front gardens - just two weeks left. This week's winner is a very pretty house and garden composed of graceful curves.
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