DEAR MISS MANNERS: We love our neighbors, however an rising variety of them — mother and father, kids or each — are showing at our entrance door to promote merchandise for fundraising functions.
We’re requested to purchase cookies for the Lady Scouts, popcorn for the varsity crew, pizza for the PTA, and so forth. The cash goes to good causes, and the mother and father are instructing their kids good values, however being placed on the spot on this method makes us uncomfortable.
We find yourself ordering one thing as a result of we really feel that it’s impolite to say no, particularly when the solicitors are our neighbors and good mates. The value of the merchandise is often exorbitant, and the drain on our funds is changing into substantial.
Our kids are small, however we’re agency that when they get older and are requested to press doorbells, we won’t do that to our neighbors.
Within the meantime, is there a well mannered means to answer our mates on the door? Or ought to we merely take out a mortgage?
GENTLE READER: Even when the causes are the most effective, Miss Manners should disagree in regards to the wholesomeness of the values being inculcated.
Educating kids to be ok with shaming and extorting their neighbors, with the justification that the funds are for a great trigger, strikes her as unhealthy coverage. This conviction makes it simpler for her to say “no, thank you” when she solutions the door.
But when that’s too troublesome, you might conceal behind the curtains till the fundraising neighbors transfer on.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: What’s the correct etiquette when addressing a salesman or clerk in a retail setting?
I’ve labored in retail for a number of years and now run my very own retailer. It’s uncommon that am I addressed with “Excuse me,” “Good morning,” “Hello,” and many others., when somebody enters with a query, whether or not about our merchandise or for normal data (e.g., instructions to a different retailer). Folks merely ask their query, typically in a relatively demanding means (or no less than it feels that means).
I’m glad to reply no matter questions individuals have. However when somebody can not start their inquiry with a easy greeting, or phrase it alongside the traces of, “Could you tell me where …?” (versus “Where’s the …?”), the interplay feels off-putting and even a bit condescending.
GENTLE READER: The correct etiquette begins (and ends, since it is a skilled setting, not a social one) with any of the greetings you plan.
However Miss Manners thinks you should have extra success profitable over impolite clients with a nice counter-example — a crisp however nice, “Good morning! How can I help?” — than by any indication that they’ve offended.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: What’s the correct option to deal with it when your nostril wants consideration? Do you keep on the desk to make use of a tissue, or do you have to excuse your self to the restroom?
I perceive the latter doesn’t offend anyone, and permits individuals to clean their palms. However I’ve seen loads of individuals keep on the desk and simply use hand sanitizer afterwards.
GENTLE READER: How a lot consideration does it want? A mild sneeze and wipe needn’t require a serious expedition.
Please ship your inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, www.missmanners.com; to her e-mail, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or via postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
