Clearly, many individuals can have the identical thought for a punchline in regards to the information of the day, however that is wholesale appropriation.
Politely (and privately) name her bluff. “Humorous how we maintain posting the identical joke. Possibly we must always brainstorm and collaborate. What have been you pondering of claiming in regards to the newest occasions in Myanmar?”
Pricey Miss Manners: I’ve profound listening to loss, the results of a childhood sickness some 50 years in the past. I labored laborious at studying to lip-read and now have had speech remedy, and now most individuals can’t detect a distinction between my speech and that of hearing-able individuals.
As a small-business proprietor, I regularly meet new individuals, and I’m upfront in regards to the listening to loss — explaining the scenario and asking that they have a look at me whereas speaking.
Sometimes, somebody will say, “You don’t sound deaf.” I admit that I discover this impolite, and it makes me really feel defensive. I’d like to say one thing snarky in response, however concern it might replicate poorly on my enterprise. I often reply that I’ve had speech remedy and alter the topic.
Do I proceed to smile and bear it, or are you able to counsel a reply that can allow them to know that the remark is out of line with out being imply?
“What? I’m not positive what ‘sounding deaf’ seems like” — adopted by a quizzical look.
Presumably this will likely be sufficient to disgrace these impolite individuals to silence. But when it doesn’t, Miss Manners trusts that you’ll minimize them off earlier than they try to offensively display.
Pricey Miss Manners: My son is marrying a beautiful girl raised in a distinct faith from ours. Our household’s faith considers tattoos to be taboo.
How can I gently counsel to my son’s fiancee that she take into account a robe the place her giant again tattoo is not going to be seen? I’m afraid all of the visitors of our faith will likely be targeted on the tattoo and never the bride.
Am I being old school? My son and his fiancee are of their late 30s, so I’m not sure if it’s acceptable for me to voice my considerations. How ought to I proceed?
Are you going to counsel that she avoid summer season outings, too? As a result of she is more likely to wish to get pleasure from them together with her new household — and that can little question require clothes that doesn’t cowl her again.
Miss Manners suggests you avoid this concern, as this couple is certainly grown up and may seemingly deal with the eye. If you want to be useful, maybe you’ll be able to remind your loved ones that the bride doesn’t have the identical tattoo restrictions in her faith.
New Miss Manners columns are posted Monday by Saturday on washingtonpost.com/advice. You may ship inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, missmanners.com. You too can comply with her @RealMissManners.
