Greetings, Miss MannersWhen I brought my newborn kid to see my family, everyone were raving about how attractive he was and how much cuter he was than his sister (my first child, who is three years old).
I must have heard my mom and my sisters say, “He looks much better than his sister,” at least fifteen times that afternoon alone. I was happy that my daughter was not with me, even though I was astonished and offended that they would say such hurtful things about a child. But I don’t think she would have prevented them.
How was I to react to their disparaging remarks, Miss Manners? How can I make sure that doesn’t happen again, particularly when my kid is around?
PERSONAL READER:Warmly embrace your newborn, gaze into his eyes, and then, with a suitably goofy grin, say, “They don’t mean it!” Additionally, your sister was a stunning baby! She was, indeed! She was, indeed!
Everyone will be worn out and ready for some adult chat after 15 repetitions on each side.
Greetings, Miss MannersSince I’ve never dated online, I would appreciate your guidance on how to reply to likes when you’re not interested. I believe that a message should have some reaction, but I don’t want to mislead anyone. Additionally, I don’t really want to engage in lengthy discussions with people who don’t seem like a good fit.
Does it matter if people simply send a “like” without sending a message? Or do they fall beyond the age range I specified? I want to treat everyone with respect, and I’m shocked and appreciative when others are interested. Any recommendations?
PERSONAL READER:The etiquette, as it exists, is still developing in this area. Miss Manners, however, will make an effort to help.
The fact that these firms blur the lines between the commercial and the social spheres—not just without thinking about it, but without even recognizing the difference—is among their most perplexing features.
However, that misunderstanding serves a purpose in this instance. According to them, the goal of these websites is to meet someone. People will therefore get the wrong idea if you respond to that initial outreach when you are not interested, whether it was a written message or just a “like.”
Therefore, Miss Manners advises against answering, which she supports by citing the business etiquette rule that states you are not obliged to answer calls from strangers trying to sell you something.
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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