DEAR MISS MANNERS: I used to be strolling within the humanities constructing of the college the place I’m a graduate scholar. I turned the nook of the hallway that results in the workplaces and noticed one in every of my professors mendacity in the course of the corridor on the backside of some steps.
There have been two different professors along with her, and I might hear that they believed she had sprained an ankle (I assume from falling down the steps).
I wanted to get by them to get to my workplace, so I mentioned “excuse me” and walked by.
I now marvel: Was that impolite of me? Ought to I’ve stopped and inquired additional?
I imply, the state of affairs was clearly beneath management and it was not an emergency. My presence would probably have solely made my professor uncomfortable (she did catch my eye and I might inform that she felt this manner already).
Ought to I’ve chosen another path? I wasn’t precisely stepping over her to get to my workplace, but it surely was fairly shut.
GENTLE READER: Your haste to get to your workplace might have demonstrated a commendable dedication to your research. However Miss Manners suspects a fast cease to inquire if any additional help was wanted wouldn’t have completed any lasting harm to your GPA.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A lady my husband works with purchased him 5 work shirts.
That is one thing that occurs very often with this co-worker. I informed him that I felt it was inappropriate, and that he ought to give them again.
However he likes the shirts, and determined that slightly than giving them again, he would go forward and put on them. He even went and purchased one other one on his personal, and it seems every one value over $100.
There’s a complete load of context right here, however I don’t assume there’s any must share all of that.
GENTLE READER: Little question. You may ask your husband how he would really feel a couple of male co-worker who bought costly jewellery for you.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My father, my three siblings and I are planning a shock eightieth birthday celebration for my mom.
One among her cousins responded that they have been coming, but in addition requested what restaurant my mother likes, as a result of she needs to convey a present card for her.
My mother and father don’t want something and I do know my mother would favor to not obtain items. I politely responded that it was a really good thought, however no items have been essential. She mentioned that I ought to inform her the identify of a restaurant, as a result of she was going to convey a present card regardless.
Is it impolite on my half to ask folks to not convey items? Or ought to she again down?
GENTLE READER: No. Sure. However isn’t your actual query: How do I get this cousin to cease pestering me?
Miss Manners has a solution for that one, too, which is, “You know, I’m not sure she would actually use it.”
