Clearly, many individuals can have the identical concept 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 preserve posting the identical joke. Perhaps we must always brainstorm and collaborate. What have been you pondering of claiming in regards to the newest occasions in Myanmar?”
Expensive 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 still have had speech remedy, and now most individuals can’t detect a distinction between my speech and that of hearing-able folks.
As a small-business proprietor, I steadily meet new folks, 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 worry it could 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’ feels like” — adopted by a quizzical look.
Presumably this shall be sufficient to disgrace these impolite folks to silence. But when it doesn’t, Miss Manners trusts that you’ll minimize them off earlier than they try and offensively exhibit.
Expensive Miss Manners: My son is marrying a stunning girl raised in a special 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 massive again tattoo won’t be seen? I’m afraid all of the visitors of our faith shall 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 uncertain if it’s acceptable for me to voice my issues. How ought to I proceed?
Are you going to recommend that she steer clear of summer time outings, too? As a result of she is prone to wish 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 keep away from this difficulty, as this couple is certainly grown up and may possible deal with the eye. If you want 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 may ship inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, missmanners.com. You may also comply with her @RealMissManners.
