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 maintain posting the identical joke. Perhaps we must always brainstorm and collaborate. What had been you considering 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 regularly meet new folks, and I’m upfront in regards to 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 might mirror 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 can allow them to know that the remark is out of line with out being imply?
“What? I’m not positive what ‘sounding deaf’ appears 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 reduce them off earlier than they try to offensively display.
Expensive Miss Manners: My son is marrying a stunning lady 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 think about a robe the place her giant again tattoo won’t be seen? I’m afraid all of the friends of our faith shall be centered on the tattoo and never the bride.
Am I being old style? 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 get pleasure from them along with her new household — and that can 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 need to be useful, maybe you possibly can 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 can even comply with her @RealMissManners.
