DEAR MISS MANNERS: I hosted two {couples} for dinner at our residence that went very nicely. The subsequent day, I used to be experiencing some abdomen upset and GI points.
I’m not certain if the offender was the meals I served, but when so, it could have been that the lettuce was not completely washed.
I texted my company to thank them once more for coming and allow them to know we loved their firm. I additionally advised them about my GI points and requested in the event that they have been experiencing any signs, saying that in the event that they have been, I apologized profusely.
My husband advised me that it was impolite to inquire about their well being, since we weren’t certain about whether or not it was the meals that made me sick.
He additionally mentioned I “put them on the spot” concerning both confirming that my culinary error made them sick or fibbing to make me really feel higher.
GENTLE READER: There are methods to inquire about others’ well being with out going into sordid particulars. The phrase “GI issues,” for instance, needn’t be uttered (twice, right here, making Miss Manners herself relatively queasy).
As a substitute, you might say, “I do hope that you are feeling well after our dinner. I myself felt a bit off, so I just wanted to check on you.”
And guarantee that subsequent time, you completely wash that lettuce.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: How do I kindly inform my sister that her son’s texts to the household are annoying?
He’s 14, and his texts and telephone etiquette depart us scratching our heads. He doesn’t “read the room,” typically sending gifs and memes extra acceptable for his associates than a household chat that features his mother, aunts and grandparents. Or he’ll name a number of occasions in a row, then name us imply if we don’t reply.
GENTLE READER: Is there an opportunity that this boy is making an attempt to speak with you?
The a number of telephone calls and texts would point out so.
Miss Manners suggests redirecting his misguided makes an attempt by saying, “I’m sorry that I don’t understand the gifs and memes you send, but if you would like to chat or go out for a meal or a walk, I would be happy to do that with you.”
You may provoke this, in fact, by answering the telephone — earlier than it will get imply.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My accomplice and I are homosexual males in our 30s. We’re in a dedicated, monogamous relationship, and we appear to be the one ones.
Once I’m in areas meant for queer folks and I point out that I’m in a relationship, I typically get requested, “Are you guys open?”
I can’t inform if it is a come-on or a easy query, however I can’t stand it.
I’ve no drawback with different folks being polyamorous or being in open relationships, however I believe it’s cheesy to all the time discuss it or put one’s enterprise on the market. It’s even worse when it seems like persons are pressuring you to interrupt your monogamous methods.
How do I reply this query honestly with out getting offended or coming off like a fuddy-duddy?
GENTLE READER: “No.”
Please ship your inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, www.missmanners.com; to her electronic mail, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or by way of postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
