DEAR MISS MANNERS: Too typically for my consolation, I discover myself on the backside of a staircase, escorting a girl upstairs.
My intuition is to let the girl go first, however the unlucky result’s that after I observe her up the steps, my eyes are on the stage of her backside. The scenario is much more sophisticated if brief skirts are a part of the equation.
The “solution” of my going up the steps first signifies that the girl is then left at eye-level with my buttocks (which my spouse kindly assures me is just not a hardship), presumably making them uncomfortable.
To keep away from — or at the least decrease — any discomfort, who ought to proceed up the steps first?
GENTLE READER: The proper process is that the girl goes up the steps first, and a gentleman retains his salacious ideas to himself.
Must you go first, nevertheless, Miss Manners, not like your spouse, believes that you’d be in no hazard of thrilling the girl behind you.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I obtained an invite to a ninety fifth birthday celebration. Whereas it’s pretty to be included at such a momentous event, I used to be a bit greatly surprised on the wording of the invitation.
After saying the day and time, it learn that no alcohol can be permitted. I perceive that “Jenny” might not desire a bunch of drunks carousing on her special occasion. However, I believed the wording unusual and even a bit unwelcoming.
The invitation additionally introduced “No gifts, please” — once more, nice, as a result of what would 95-year-old Jenny do with them? — however after that, it mentioned, “There will be a box for cards and cash.”
How would Miss Manners view such an invite?
GENTLE READER: Such an disagreeable invitation.
There is no such thing as a have to serve alcohol, however there may be additionally no have to concern a warning, as if the friends have been prone to smuggle it in. And forbidding presents whereas placing out a money field makes it clear that admission is being charged.
Ordinarily, Miss Manners would advise you to deal with this just like the fundraiser it’s — that’s, to simply accept provided that you think about it a charity you wish to assist. However contemplating Jenny’s age, another person may need crafted this occasion, and the invitation, on her behalf.
You may wish to keep away from such an individual, and as a substitute pay a separate go to to Jenny to acknowledge her birthday.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I do know that is going to sound nitpicky, however I get very barely offended after I say “Thank you” to a server they usually say “Of course.”
It simply feels bizarre, like a brush-off. It appears like they’re saying, “Of course you are grateful.”
This appears to be a brand new normal response, particularly amongst younger servers. Generally they even appear shocked by my gratitude.
I admit that I are usually overly well mannered (sure, that may be a factor), however I actually am grateful when folks assist me/serve me, and I need them to know I admire them.
What ever occurred to “You’re welcome” or perhaps a informal “You bet!”?
GENTLE READER: That nit is already over-picked by people who find themselves offended by the response of “No problem.”
Miss Manners suggests that you simply consider “Of course” as brief for “Of course I am honored to serve you.”
