Dear Miss Manners: Is it applicable to categorical condolences to a co-worker who was terminated, for those who really feel that termination was well-justified?
The co-worker is definitely confused at having misplaced his job, however he didn’t ship what was requested of him. I used to be typically slowed down or annoyed by his skilled actions. Still, I didn’t personally dislike him.
By condolences, you presumably imply saying that you’re sorry your co-worker was fired. And, for good cause, you aren’t.
But Miss Manners is aware of different methods to commiserate: “I wish you luck,” “I hope you’ll keep in touch” and even, whether it is believable, “I’ll miss you.”
She realizes that these statements include bland goodwill and should not possible to end in motion. But individuals have a tendency to imply them on the time, and they’re a sort manner to say goodbye.
Dear Miss Manners: What can I do or say to deter well-wishers from slapping my shoulder?
About six months in the past, I fell, tearing my rotator cuff. After days within the hospital, weeks of restoration and months of rehab, I’m shut to regular, besides when pleasant of us whack me on the shoulder and ask how I’m doing. Can you recommend any manner I can stop this act whereas remaining cordial?
Have you thought of carrying epaulets? You may have to be part of the army and work your manner up in rank, however … oh, possibly not. By that point, your shoulder could be totally healed.
Miss Manners had hoped that the behavior of promiscuously grabbing individuals had been quelled by the pandemic. But she had additionally hoped that individuals may begin carrying handkerchiefs as a substitute of sneezing into their elbows.
No. It is true again to the outdated habits.
So your solely protection is to study to spot these painful thumps coming. Keep practising social distancing, and swerve your damage shoulder away from others. Miss Manners needs she had one thing simpler to recommend.
Dear Miss Manners: I feel it’s completely impolite to bus your individual desk at a restaurant. I have a relative who does this, and takes issues after I’m not even executed with them.
Rude because it is to seize the meals away from one’s fellow diners, it’s worse to seize work away from the restaurant employees. It is doing them a disservice, not a favor, as your bossy relative might fancy. Miss Manners solely hopes this doesn’t embrace swiping their ideas.
New Miss Manners columns are posted Monday by Saturday on washingtonpost.com/advice. You can ship questions to Miss Manners at her web site, missmanners.com. You may also comply with her @ActualMissManners.