It was one of my favorite restaurants, Pastel, and we were surrounded by old friends, but one of my friends complained at every step.  The service (which I found initially charming, but foundered as the complaints rolled in), the fish (perhaps slightly undercooked, but not noticeably), the quantities (such small portions), and as her complaints piled up, the others began to chime in – the coffee, the dessert menu, the other guests.  None of us would have complained before she began her list, and I realized that none of us would have noticed or complained, even though every complaint was legitimate.  And since we’re off to demonstrate, I make comparisons.