I did some analysis on-line and discovered that sure kinds of telephones have a enjoyable characteristic that permits customers to acknowledge texts by including a thumbs-up or a coronary heart. How good. But for the remainder of us who don’t have this characteristic, it’s REALLY ANNOYING.
I understand that a part of the burden lies with the remainder of us to softly inform our friends and household that this characteristic doesn’t translate (do you’ve got any recommendation on the best way to phrase this?), however would you be keen to assist get the phrase out? People ought to rethink earlier than they hit “like” on each textual content.
Sure. How about, “Oh, no, sorry I missed your birthday invitation. I’m afraid it got buried in the chain of ‘likes’ and repeated texts on my phone. I wonder if we could all verbally express our approval rather than use those buttons so that I don’t miss any firsthand information.”
And then Miss Manners suggests you flip off your cellphone — if you wish to keep away from seeing your message countlessly appreciated and repeated.
Dear Miss Manners: It’s regular for a mum or dad to specific satisfaction in regard to their baby’s achievements. Is it attainable to voice what definitely seems like satisfaction within the achievements of shut household and friends with out being paternalistic?
If I say I’m pleased with my sister for reaching a piece milestone, or of my good friend for a gorgeous birthday cake he made, am I implying I take some credit score for it — like a mum or dad would possibly of their baby? Am I overthinking this? I don’t wish to offend anybody.
For which Miss Manners assures you, she feels satisfaction.
Those seeking to take offense can definitely discover condescension within the sentiment — or in all probability in its tone, relying on how it’s mentioned. Because in Miss Manners’ opinion, it isn’t a lot the concept of taking credit score as it’s the implication that you just thought the duty couldn’t be achieved. Therefore, she suggests you save that satisfaction in making a birthday cake for somebody apart from your grownup good friend.
Dear Miss Manners: My not too long ago married son and daughter-in-law obtained some vintage ingesting glasses from my sister as a marriage reward, which they don’t seem to be keen on. They marvel if it will be okay to provide them to me or to another person.
I’m not certain what to do, as a result of it would damage my sister’s emotions if she sees that I now have them. Can you inform us what to do?
Regifting solely works if one doesn’t get caught. Consider the candidates for it with this in thoughts, and Miss Manners will log out on it.
New Miss Manners columns are posted Monday by way of Saturday on washingtonpost.com/advice. You can ship inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, missmanners.com. You also can observe her @ActualMissManners.