How refreshing You don’t want to make things worse in the name of truth, principle, or just making people uncomfortable.
Miss Manners is concerned that the only way to deal with this is to take the next step quickly and enthusiastically. You can have a lot of fun! The contradictions don’t matter, and a widespread apology would actually make things worse.
Dear Manners: I have a medical condition that requires a health care provider to visit my apartment at least twice a week. I have also led a rather clumsy lifestyle, which has resulted in poor knee function.
When you’re waiting for a health care provider, leave the door unlocked by instructing them to knock, come in, and say “Yo-ho.” So you don’t have to jump up or slowly shuffle your way to the door to have it opened for you. This saves a lot of pain in my knees and means I don’t have to lurk near the door in anticipation of their arrival. Arrival time will of course vary depending on traffic and how early your appointment with the previous patient was.
Am I being rude or inappropriate? Also, their arrival sometimes coincides with my lunch, especially if it’s just a visit to drop off supplies (and a visit from a nurse who needs my help). ), I often continue with my diet. Is it wrong to keep eating while talking?
social rules Etiquette applies to social situations, but not social situations like the one you’re describing, Miss Manners broadly views it as the provision of medical care. Consider a similar situation. If you were in the hospital room, you would thank all the caregivers and thank the person who brought you the meal. But you won’t jump up or share your food with him.
Dear Manners: When checking out at a grocery store, bank, gas station, coffee shop, etc., employees often say: Are you doing something special? ”
I’m not sure how to respond since we don’t know each other or are friends. Why should I share this personal information with strangers? I usually answer, “Not very much.” My friend got fed up and answered, “I’m getting a divorce,” and really shut up.
Although I agree with that Since such questions are intrusive, Miss Manners reminds everyone that one violation does not justify another. What you could call a friend’s educational response pushes the envelope and is only acceptable if it’s clearly a joke. It requires at least eye contact and a friendly smile. A less risky answer is, “More errands!”
The new Miss Manners column will run Monday through Saturday. washingtonpost.com/advice. You can submit your questions through Manor’s website. missmanners.com. You can also follow her @RealMissManners.
