DEAR MISS MANNERS: My fiance and I are getting married this fall. Will probably be a really small marriage ceremony, with simply our instant households in attendance, and no formal reception.
As a result of we’re having such a small marriage ceremony, and since we have now been dwelling and creating a house collectively for the previous six years, we didn’t create any type of marriage ceremony registry. The attendance of our family members at this particular second is present sufficient!
Nonetheless, my MIL-to-be not too long ago hosted a shock marriage ceremony bathe on our behalf, the place a number of kin who is not going to be on the marriage ceremony gave us presents.
Whereas we’re so grateful for his or her thoughtfulness, our lack of a registry meant that a number of of the presents have been both not our fashion or issues we already had. The company did present present receipts, so we have been in a position to return a few of these unneeded gadgets and buy a pleasant knife set as a substitute.
How ought to I full the thank-yous for the gadgets we returned? Will we point out that they have been exchanged for one thing else, or simply thank individuals for what they gave?
I don’t wish to lie and say, “Thank you for the candlesticks; they have a prominent place on our mantel!” when that isn’t the case.
GENTLE READER: Welcome to a world the place presents aren’t simply chosen off of an inventory and a few thought is put into their selecting. Isn’t it splendidly cheesy?
Being trustworthy could be merciless, however outright mendacity will not be crucial, both. Miss Manners suggests that you simply praise the presents with out committing to utilizing them. As in: “What a unique and interesting tablecloth. Its Jackson Pollack-like look will be so convenient in hiding spills.”
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Individual A misplaced his spouse after practically 65 years of marriage. On what would have been their marriage ceremony anniversary a couple of weeks later, Individual B texted Individual A to say, “I’m thinking of you on your anniversary.”
Individual A wrote again and mentioned, “Thank you — it was a hard day, and I appreciate you thinking of me.” Individual B texted again, “You’re welcome.”
Now, I do know that “You’re welcome” is extra well mannered than options equivalent to “No worries,” “No problem” or “Of course.” But it surely appears in some way inappropriate on this circumstance, and I can’t put my finger on why.
What’s one presupposed to say on this situation? What ought to Individual B have mentioned, if something, when being thanked for pondering of Individual A?
None of that is my enterprise, so after all I mentioned nothing. But it surely did trigger me to marvel.
GENTLE READER: The sentiment being extra vital than the shape, Miss Manners thinks Individuals A and B each acquitted themselves most graciously.
How lucky for you that it isn’t your corporation.
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