Posts tagged as:
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 [...]
{ 0 comments }
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 [...]
{ 0 comments }
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 [...]
{ 0 comments }
Q: I was next in line at a counter where service was slow as molasses. Finally a new line opened up, but the person behind me rushed to get there first. I was so frustrated! Should I have said something? A: In this situation, you could have said something like, “I’m sorry, but I was [...]
{ 7 comments }
Q: When an acquaintance tells you he or she just got divorced, how should you respond? “I’m sorry” seems inappropriate these days, since many people are relieved – even happy – to be out of a bad marriage. A: There’s no all-purpose approach. Instead, your answer should be dictated by individual circumstances. Keep in mind [...]
{ 4 comments }
Q: I have a son from my first marriage whom my husband’s adopting. I’d like to send an announcement to our friends and relatives about the adoption and name change. Is this appropriate? If so, what should it say? A: It’s appropriate if there’s a practical reason for making the announcement, and if it’s a [...]
{ 1 comment }
Q: I was taught that men do NOT wear any type of hat/ball cap inside at any time, unless they are a Rabbi or the head covering is a formal part of their uniform. Where did this rule of respect start? Why has it fallen by the wayside? Everywhere I go, men/boys/teens are wearing hats [...]
{ 9 comments }
Q: Please settle a debate about the proper way to eat pizza. Are a fork and knife necessary, or can you just use your hands? A: It’s alright to pick up a slice because pizza is an informal food. The best way to eat it is to loosely fold a slice in half to keep [...]
{ 0 comments }
Q: My daughter’s new husband is terrific, but I cringe when he calls me Mom. I’d much prefer to be called by my first name, but I know my daughter addresses his parents as Mom and Dad, and I don’t want to seem as if I’m criticizing anyone’s choice. Suggestions? A: First, stop worrying so [...]
{ 2 comments }
Q: At a funeral I recently attended, I was startled to see several women wearing brightly colored dresses. The styles of their outfits weren’t inappropriate, but I’ve always thought you were supposed to wear black or another somber color to funerals. Is color a new trend? A: While you’ll never go wrong with black, my [...]
{ 3 comments }
Emily's Tweets
The Gift of Good Manners
Loading ...