DEAR MISS MANNERS: For work, I fly usually, often at the least as soon as every week. I’m a gentleman in my mid-40s, and am usually mistaken for somebody youthful.
My dilemma is learn how to deal with co-passengers who’re unable to raise their luggage into the overhead bin, a lot of whom then have a look at me expectantly.
Whereas I look match, my fixed journey schedule and squeezed-in exercises have left me with a again that may lock up fairly badly.
I’d defer to the flight attendants, however they’re typically not any extra useful on this activity than fellow passengers. (I consider some airways have insurance policies in opposition to flight attendants helping with the stowage of carry-on baggage.)
When touring with my mom — whose consolation, in fact, I’d go to nice lengths to make sure — I used to be shocked when she scolded me for not serving to different women with their baggage. However I’ve at all times been of the opinion that if somebody can’t raise their very own baggage, they need to examine it.
How do I deal with this example with out seeming like an individual with out manners? I’m prepared to sacrifice my again for my mom, however I can’t accommodate each woman unable to raise her bag.
GENTLE READER: Turn into extraordinarily absorbed in your e book.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: An individual I’ve identified for a few years has simply been arrested and charged with horrific crimes.
I’d not say we have been ever shut buddies, simply cordial acquaintances. It appears probably this particular person won’t stroll free once more for a few years, if ever.
I wish to attain out and write a letter to them in jail. What can be acceptable to say in a state of affairs like this?
“Hi, how are you doing?” appears inappropriately shallow and perky below the circumstances. “How could you do that?” will surely not be well mannered. What can be affordable?
GENTLE READER: “I was sorry to hear about your situation. I hope that under the circumstances, you are doing well.”
Miss Manners commends you on your want to succeed in out to this accused prison. However maybe you’re emboldened by the truth that they don’t seem to be prone to rejoin society anytime quickly.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Whereas eating at a reasonably good restaurant, I overheard a girl attempt to entice the eye of the server by tapping her glass with a spoon. Loudly and infrequently.
Is that this a brand new customized, or simply one thing my pricey grandmother uncared for to inform me was acceptable? She at all times lifted a gloved finger or just made eye contact to get a server’s consideration.
GENTLE READER: It isn’t a brand new customized. This woman was simply utilizing it mistaken — which she undoubtedly realized when she did not get the eye of the server, however had everybody else within the restaurant ready for a toast that didn’t materialize.
So your pricey grandmother didn’t omit to let you know this. Sadly, Miss Manners omitted to inform her that one doesn’t put on gloves on the dinner desk.
Please ship your inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, www.missmanners.com; to her electronic mail, [email protected]; or by way of postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
