From the category archives:
Q: At times in the supermarket, a grocery cart is blocking the aisle and its owner is usually oblivious. In situations like this, can I move it out of my way? A: If there’s no one in sight, gently push the cart aside enough to allow others to get by. If the cart’s owner is [...]
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Q: I am a mother of five (17, 11, 10, 7, 1) and whenever I take my children anywhere all together people; total strangers, always ask me ‘how old I am’ or ‘are they all mine’. Both of these questions infuriate me, how should I answer? A: It is understandable that you are insulted . [...]
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Q: My neighbor borrowed my air mattress last summer. When I took it out for the holidays, I noticed a hole. Should I ask the neighbor to replace it or say nothing? A: The neighbor may have ruined the air bed, but unfortunately you can’t be sure, so don’t point fingers. If you had noticed [...]
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Q: I hit a cup of coffee with my hand and it spilled it on the table and onto a friends lap. I helped to clean it up and apologized but it stained her jeans. Should I pay for the dry cleaning? Am I responsible to replace them if they are damaged? Is there anything [...]
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Q: When are standing ovations a proper expression of appreciation? Are they meant to express appreciation for the musical composition itself or for the musicians performance of it? Standing ovations seem to have become the norm at recitals and chamber music performances, etc. and no longer seem to be reserved for truly exceptional performances. A: [...]
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Q: How long do you have after you receive a present do you have to send a thank you note. A: You should write promptly, especially if the gift was mailed or delivered, so the giver of the gift knows you received it — and appreciated it! Within a week of receipt is a good [...]
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Q: If I receive a gift from someone but I haven’t gotten anything for her, do I need to run out and buy a present? A: Don’t panic. The most important thing is offering her your sincere thanks, and it’s fine to leave it at that. But you can certainly get her something if you [...]
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This post originally appeared at my parenting blog The Gift of Good Manners. I will be cross posting some of my favorite content from that blog here at the Etiquette Daily periodically. I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I enjoyed writing them. Table Conversation The art of dining includes several things: the [...]
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Q: What is the appropriate way to break up with your hairdresser? I have been using the same hairdresser for 6 years, but I’m not happy with my hair. I keep giving feedback, asking for advice or suggesting new things – and I’m just not willing to do it any more. The big problem is [...]
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Q: I recently received an invitation to a large “Hollywood’” themed party. It mentioned “festive attire”. Isn’t that just one step below “black tie’”? A: Festive attire calls for something that celebrates the season or the event. For the December holidays, for example, when this “dress code” is most often seen, consider semi-dressy fabrics, such [...]
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The Gift of Good Manners
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