Not Even Doctors Understand 'rsvp'
GENTLE READER: The idea here is to avoid exposing your bare feet near anyone's face. Sweet they may be, but strangers tend to believe otherwise.
Therefore, the terminal is a better choice. But if you plan to wear thin socks under the others, Miss Manners will allow you a bit more time in comfort. Or a lot more, if your plane is late.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My adult brother asked my husband (a lawyer) and me (a professional writer) to "take a look at" a business letter he planned on sending. We both assumed he was asking for editing advice, and we proposed a radical rewrite. My husband dealt with the letter's legal aspects, and I addressed its tone and approach.
My brother responded coldly to our proposed changes. His response was along the lines of "You have your style and I have mine." We obviously hurt his feelings, and in hindsight, I wish we had simply rubber-stamped the project.
What would have been the appropriate way to handle this situation? And should we now apologize? He hasn't spoken to us since, but he may just be busy.
GENTLE READER: No, he is sulking. Miss Manners has learned that "Tell me your honest opinion" is seldom an honest request.
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(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2024 Judith Martin
COPYRIGHT 2024 JUDITH MARTIN
