DEAR MISS MANNERS: Within the period of selfies, I’m as responsible as anybody of holding my telephone out and snapping a photograph of my partner and me in entrance of some fascinating function.
These images keep on my telephone, or possibly on a social media account, however no additional.
Conversely, each units of my grandparents, of blessed reminiscence, who by no means even heard the phrase “selfie,” had 8×10 studio images of themselves framed and hanging on the partitions of their respective dwelling rooms. I additionally inherited large-format portrait images of two pairs of great-grandparents, each of that are in pretty elaborate frames. They now dangle in my front room.
Although it was clearly as soon as widespread, I don’t know anybody who has framed portraits of themselves of their properties now.
An oil portrait of my partner and me isn’t in our finances, however I’ve been contemplating hanging a professionally composed and framed picture of us in our dwelling. Would this come throughout as narcissistic? Or is it merely a loving continuation of a three-generation custom?
GENTLE READER: Who, in what you so aptly named the Period of Selfies, will dare to boost the cost of narcissism? And which is extra blatant: together with yourselves amongst household in your personal front room, or posting it for all of the world to see?
Showcasing painted portraits of oneself was thought of acceptable as a result of they have been presumably valued for his or her inventive benefit, slightly than their topics — and by no means thoughts that the themes had commissioned them within the first place.
If you wish to be above reproach, Miss Manners suggests that you simply keep away from photos by which you’re shaking fingers with the president or displaying the largest fish you ever caught. However frankly, she doubts that there’s a lot hazard nowadays, when modesty is not thought of a advantage, however slightly an unlucky lack of shallowness.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Visitors arrived to my feast 45 minutes early. They weren’t confused in regards to the time, they simply got here early.
What ought to I’ve performed? I sat them in the lounge, bought them every a drink after which deserted them for 45 minutes whereas I modified garments and completed up within the kitchen.
They appeared peevish after I lastly joined them, however truthfully, what ought to I’ve performed?
GENTLE READER: Seated them in the lounge, given them drinks, after which deserted them when you modified garments and completed up within the kitchen.
Too unhealthy they didn’t ask Miss Manners what they need to have performed: not arrived early, apologized in the event that they did, thanked you for the drinks, and warranted you that they might be superb sitting in the lounge till you have been prepared.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I acquired an invite to a sixtieth marriage ceremony anniversary occasion, and it states: “ABSOLUTELY NO GIFTS.”
What can I do for the stunning couple, who’ve been household mates for a lot of, a few years? I actually need to give them one thing!
GENTLE READER: Then give them one thing priceless: a letter of appreciation about them and the friendship.
