Questions on relationship (determination) faux pas. Which of the following (do you think) is worse? [Details inside].

You need to stop speaking to people.
I was with my brother shopping in a hardware store and the man my brother was discussing paint with said “ask your wife which color you should get” indicating me. Ick.

Next time just say ”...with an attractive lady.”

Unless you know, it’s best to make a polite assertion as @Jeruba has just suggested that doesn’t make any assumptions about the relationship.

When I was about 12, I had a short hair cut that made me look like a boy. My Dad is 20 years older than my Mum.

A fantastic faux pas we frequently encountered was someone saying to him:

“And what would your grandson like?”

Most amusing! (Well, if you can’t laugh, you’d cry right?!)

OMG, rebbel, you are dangerous! No, the other way, a hot young daughter, mistaken for the wife would be puffery for both of them.

I’d be more insulted if someone said my wife (granted I’m a 16 year old girl…) was my mother than my mother was my wife. At least in the second scenario, you’re complimenting the mother by saying she looks younger than she really is instead of older.

I think things like this are funny and ARE going to happen sometimes. I always thought it would be horrible to have to be the one to stand at a horrendous amusement park ride and tell the pregnant women they couldn’t ride. You know they get it wrong sometimes!

I would say, “I saw you the other day talking to someone, so I did not want to interrupt. Leave it to them to say who it was (or not).

Next time just say, ”...with ze.”