DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m a canine walker and pet care supplier. I’m retired, 73 years previous, and I’ve a number of work across the holidays.
My purchasers give me Christmas presents. Ought to I simply say “thank you” after I get one thing I don’t want, or say I’d wish to regift it?
This week, a shopper gave me a dog-walking device that I have already got. It’s not too costly — possibly $30 — and the reward bag additionally included treats for my canine. I already mentioned thanks, however ought to I say the rest?
GENTLE READER: What would you say? One thing alongside the strains of, “I have no use for this, so I’m going to get rid of it”?
Countering generosity by mentioning what a failure it was doesn’t make anybody’s Christmas merrier. Not even yours, subsequent Christmas, when this shopper may have been discouraged by the trouble to please you and can surrender attempting.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: What do you consider employers who let their kids come across the office to promote goodies to their staff? And worse but, what about when the boss himself escorts his little one across the constructing to promote stuff?
Yeah, I do know, it’s all the time for a superb trigger, however isn’t that placing folks on the spot, and never in excellent style? No person actually desires to purchase these items, however you all the time really feel obligated, particularly when the boss is standing proper there!
GENTLE READER: And a pleasant lesson that’s for the kids — not in salesmanship, however in the usage of energy to intimidate.
Miss Manners understands that you just don’t need to antagonize the boss, and hopes that you just additionally need to keep away from embarrassing the kids. However that doesn’t imply that you’re obliged to purchase something you don’t need.
Group motion is the most secure, in fact. Maybe you may get your colleagues to protest this, making an official grievance if needed. However you may as well deal with it by yourself by treating the kids because the salespeople they’re alleged to be. In a nice tone, ask in regards to the merchandise — its use, its sturdiness, no matter.
If the kid is ready to reply these questions, you should still say regretfully that the merchandise doesn’t meet your wants (though Miss Manners would most likely be touched sufficient to purchase). But when, as she suspects, the kid is unprepared, you want solely say regretfully you can’t commit to purchasing one thing you already know so little about.
Allow us to hope {that a} accountable father or mother would perceive and admire the worth of this lesson to the kid.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: We now have acquired playing cards from quite a few {couples} who’re 30 to 40 years youthful than we’re. The return addresses and printed signatures are first-name solely. Ought to we reply in sort, since my husband and I’ve completely different final names?
GENTLE READER: In order that they may expertise the frustration of a few of their recipients, who’re asking themselves, “Who are these people? Do we know any Jenna and Noah?” or “Which Emma and Everett could this be this from?”
Miss Manners asks you to withstand that temptation and submit your full names.
