Greetings, Miss MannersI made a group SMS and sent it to a number of other mothers along with a cute picture of my daughter. It wasn’t a lengthy text discussion, just one photo of my daughter.
Before leaving the group, one of the mothers sent me a separate text telling me not to put her in a text chain with strangers.
Is this generally considered poor text etiquette?
GENTLE READER: Group texts that are sent without previous consent are illegal and should be discontinued. In addition to being confusing due to their widespread use of anonymous phone lines, they are also easily abused by soliciting products (Girl Scout cookies, anyone?) or other forms of fundraising.
It was a smart move for the mother to leave early.
Miss Manners rarely promotes the benefits of social media, but at least it is a voluntary platform. In your instance, it would have been perfect. If you just have to post that adorable photo of your daughter, publish it somewhere where relatives, friends, and complete strangers may leave as many comments as they want. without needing to make 372,486 new buddies who aren’t named.
Greetings, Miss MannersI enjoy wearing nice clothes. I think clothes should be nice and flattering, and I prefer cute shoes and accessories.
Some family members only wear clunky, ugly shoes, few accessories, and muted hues like olive, mustard, khaki, and black. I’ve never said anything about their clothes. However, they always have something to say when they see me.
I wore a dusty pink jacket, black top, gray slacks, pink shoes, and a pale pink necklace to a baby shower.
I have run out of answers for Your shoes go well with your attire! (Are they not expected to?) In addition, my jewelry was pink! My son was even asked if I just wanted to match the shower or if I truly liked pink. He gave her the impression that he didn’t understand her.
I feel compelled to defend my decisions, yet I’m at a loss for words to stop people from making these remarks. Another cousin will say, “You look tired,” after glancing at me and other people. Are you feeling okay?
These personal remarks are all impolite, embarrassing, and in bad taste. Will they be discouraged by any response?
PERSONAL READER:Thank you. This is true whether or not the remarks are flattering. For those who aren’t, Miss Manners suggests you simply stand there grinning and nodding while they probe deeper in your adorable matching suit.
Greetings, Miss MannersWhen coasters aren’t available at outdoor restaurants, could you help tell me how to appropriately handle significant condensation falling from water glasses, wine goblets, cocktail glasses, etc.?
When drinking, is a napkin held beneath the goblet? Before drinking, let it fall to the ground? Drop on your clothes? Or pour the julep into a transportable container (shudder). Nothing seems right.
GENTLE READER: There is no negotiating on cloth napkins. The paper will break up.
Ask if those aren’t given. Miss Manners then advises you to cover the bottom of the glass or goblet stem with it in a discrete manner so that the condensation lands on it rather than your shoes or clothes.
Miss Manners can be reached by email at [email protected], via her website at www.missmanners.com, or by mail at Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
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