Q: A lunch with a friend was nearly ruined by a young child’s kicking the back of the booth I was sitting in. I was irritated, but my friend told me to “lighten up” and ignore it, so I did nothing. But could I have said something to the child’s parents without it becoming a big deal?

A: Sure. You could have been forthright – but not huffy – and said to the parents: “Excuse me, I’m sure you don’t realize it, but your daughter’s kicking is shaking the entire booth. Would you mind asking her to stop? Thanks so much!” That approach works – most of the time.

Some parents respond to these reasonable requests with defensiveness, even anger. When that happens, it’s not worth it to keep pressing. Such conversations can escalate, turning meals into indigestible fiascoes. Another option: Ask your waiter to move you to a different table, which still disrupts a meal but frees you of troublesome neighbors.

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Open thread

by EPI Staff on September 3, 2010

Welcome to Etiquette Daily

This open thread is your space to use as you like.  We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.

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Rethinking the pool: Getting out of a project you can't afford

September 2, 2010

Q: My cousin needs customers for his pool-construction business, so I said OK to a backyard pool. But now my company is starting to lay off employees, and I’m nervous about spending big money on something my family really doesn’t need. How do I get out of this? A: Apply large doses of honesty and [...]

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Open thread

September 2, 2010

Welcome to Etiquette Daily This open thread is your space to use as you like.  We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.

2 comments full article

Presenting your present: How to give it to the bride and groom

September 1, 2010

Q: Now that I’ve picked out the perfect wedding gift for my friends, I’m not sure how to give it to them. Should I have the store deliver it? Wrap it myself? Include a card? Help! A: The answers depend on local customs, but most people have the store do the honors. The pluses can’t [...]

1 comment full article

Open thread

September 1, 2010

Welcome to Etiquette Daily This open thread is your space to use as you like.  We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.

3 comments full article

Late Lucy: How to deal with a less-than-punctual pal

August 31, 2010

Q: Even after telling my good friend that her lateness – as much as half an hour! – is rude, she still hasn’t mended her ways. How can I make her more punctual? A: If she didn’t shape up when you zapped her for being incosiderate, she probably won’t respond to subtle (or devious) tactics [...]

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Open thread

August 31, 2010

Welcome to Etiquette Daily This open thread is your space to use as you like.  We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.

6 comments full article

A New Look for the Etiquette Daily!

August 30, 2010

Same Great Blog – Fresh New Look We have been working on a new look for the Etiquette Daily and it is almost ready! With the launch of Etipedia® at www.EmilyPost.com completed we have turned our attention back to the Daily and it has been great to give this blog a little TLC. The web [...]

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Unwanted exposure: When your spouse spills a private story

August 30, 2010

Q: I was at a dinner party with my husband last night, and he ended up telling the other guests an embarrassing story about our courtship. How should I have stopped him? A: This is one instance where interrupting is recommended! If you try a gentle but firm “Honey, I really would rather not share [...]

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