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. Perhaps we should 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 still 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 often meet new individuals, and I’m upfront in regards to the listening to loss — explaining the state of affairs 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 will 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 counsel a reply that can allow them to know that the remark is out of line with out being imply?
“What? I’m not certain what ‘sounding deaf’ appears like” — adopted by a quizzical look.
Presumably this might be sufficient to disgrace these impolite individuals to silence. But when it doesn’t, Miss Manners trusts that you’ll lower them off earlier than they try to offensively reveal.
Pricey Miss Manners: My son is marrying a stunning lady 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 contemplate a robe the place her giant again tattoo is not going to be seen? I’m afraid all of the friends of our faith might 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 not sure if it’s applicable for me to voice my considerations. How ought to I proceed?
Are you going to counsel that she keep away from 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 can little question require clothes that doesn’t cowl her again.
Miss Manners suggests you avoid this difficulty, as this couple is certainly grown up and may doubtless deal with the eye. If you need 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 via Saturday on washingtonpost.com/advice. You may ship inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, missmanners.com. It’s also possible to observe her @RealMissManners.
