Clearly, many individuals can have the identical concept for a punchline concerning the information of the day, however that is wholesale appropriation.
Politely (and privately) name her bluff. “Humorous how we preserve posting the identical joke. Perhaps we should always brainstorm and collaborate. What have been you considering of claiming concerning 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 onerous 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 incessantly meet new individuals, and I’m upfront concerning the listening to loss — explaining the state of affairs and asking that they take a look at me whereas speaking.
Often, 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 will 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 recommend a reply that may 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 can be sufficient to disgrace these impolite individuals to silence. But when it doesn’t, Miss Manners trusts that you’ll reduce them off earlier than they try and offensively reveal.
Pricey Miss Manners: My son is marrying a beautiful girl raised in a unique faith from ours. Our household’s faith considers tattoos to be taboo.
How can I gently recommend 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 friends of our faith can be centered 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 uncertain if it’s acceptable for me to voice my issues. How ought to I proceed?
Are you going to recommend that she avoid summer season outings, too? As a result of she is prone to need to take pleasure in them along with her new household — and that may little doubt require clothes that doesn’t cowl her again.
Miss Manners suggests you avoid this problem, as this couple is certainly grown up and may possible deal with the eye. If you need to be useful, maybe you may 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 means of Saturday on washingtonpost.com/advice. You’ll be able to ship inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, missmanners.com. You may as well comply with her @RealMissManners.
