DEAR MISS MANNERS: All through our 54 years collectively, my husband and I’ve lived in, and traveled to, many nations, each for pleasure and enterprise. Now, in our dotage, we take pleasure in cruising as a result of it combines our love of touring and boats.
Once we occurred to say an upcoming cruise to some acquaintances, they unexpectedly bought tickets for a similar cruise. It occurred to be a 10-week journey, and we spent your complete 10 weeks attempting to dodge them.
We weren’t profitable.
They insisted that we dine collectively, and thus started 10 weeks of their particular requests. For instance, our waiter spent a minimum of half-hour going over the dinner menu, describing precisely what every merchandise was (e.g., sweetbreads) and whether or not it contained gluten, dairy, and so on.
My husband and I’ve no dietary restrictions, however by the top of the journey, we had been being served gluten-free and dairy-free meals simply due to our eating companions.
Worse, they ignored all of the costume codes and had been apt to make use of fairly salty language.
Now, they wish to cruise with us all over the place. They simply discovered about an upcoming cruise we’re taking, and are actively pursuing tickets.
How can we politely and firmly discourage this?
GENTLE READER: “My husband and I are looking forward to traveling alone this time. But we will be sure to let you know if we go on a group cruise in the future.” After which, Miss Manners suggests you retain a good lid in your plans.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I don’t know what to do about my boyfriend’s behavior of at all times canceling plans.
We’ve got been collectively for a little bit over three years, and when he does observe by way of with plans, we have now a good time collectively. The connection is nice in any other case. I’ve mentioned this with him a number of occasions, however nothing appears to alter.
There are durations of time when he received’t cancel, however then he begins doing it once more. I don’t wish to depart him, however I can also’t put up together with his canceling.
GENTLE READER: If the sample begins up once more, Miss Manners suggests you concern a delicate ultimatum: “You seem to be too busy to see me right now. Please let me know when your schedule eases up and you won’t be compelled to change plans at the last minute. In the meantime, I will assume that you are not available.”
DEAR MISS MANNERS: What’s the correct response when an atheist sneezes, as a substitute of “God bless you”? What about folks you don’t know? I had a girl give me a tough time when she sneezed and I didn’t say “bless you.”
GENTLE READER: You could possibly attempt saying “gesundheit,” however then by your logic, somebody would possibly suppose you had been German.
Miss Manners suggests that you just attempt to be much less literal about an admittedly nonsensical conference. And in case you pass over the God half, think about that nobody stated it must be his blessing — solely a thoughtful human’s.
