DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ve seen that some mature ladies don’t change how they apply make-up as they become older, which makes their maturing options start to look, effectively, clownlike.
As an illustration, their lipstick could also be too darkish for his or her pores and skin tone and could also be utilized past the pure vermilion line in an effort to present the lips a fuller look, as a substitute trying just like the exaggerated mouth of a clown. Ditto for pale eyeshadow utilized over the complete lid, which seems much more like clown eyes when a darkish (and infrequently uneven) eyeliner is utilized.
This make-up scheme is made starker by both the absence of balancing shade to the cheeks and eyes, or the inclusion of clownlike rouge patches on every cheek.
Ought to one make any ideas as to updating this unflattering make-up? And if that’s the case, how?
GENTLE READER: What did clowns ever do to you?
By no means thoughts; Miss Manners is cautious of clowns, too. She would by no means as soon as evaluate a mature lady to them. Not to mention accomplish that 4 instances.
Except you’re a trusted buddy who was particularly requested, or a make-up artist, nonetheless particularly requested, there isn’t a well mannered option to inform somebody that her make-up is garish. You could, nevertheless, give refined suggestions of merchandise that be just right for you. (“I just found this makeup crayon in a flattering shade. It works so much better than a pencil, which I find to be too stark.”)
However you higher make sure it really works for you.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A couple of years again, my octogenarian husband severed relations with a longtime buddy and colleague who’s outspoken about his bigoted, religion-based views.
My husband let this particular person know why he was offended, and the buddy pushed again.
The particular person and his spouse have now made a number of overtures towards reconciling with us. Whereas my husband is ready to compartmentalize, he is aware of that I want to maintain these of us out of our lives, and he honors my views.
My husband might not be round for much longer, and he’s an individual who likes making peace.
Even when he doesn’t reconcile whereas he’s nonetheless round, I do know the bigot ex-friend is a staunch reader of obituaries and can present up at no matter memorial service is held. How ought to I reply?
GENTLE READER: “Thank you for coming.”
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Generally I get a thinking-of-you greeting card, or one thing related, out of the blue from a buddy.
I really feel just like the mannerly factor to do, now that there’s textual content and e-mail, is to ship a fast observe thanking them for considering of me, or remarking on the fantastic thing about the cardboard and sentiment.
My buddy thinks it’s OK to simply obtain the cardboard and never ship a response. What say you?
GENTLE READER: Nothing says “thank you for thinking of me” like utterly ignoring the particular person proper again.
The mannerly factor to do can be to reply in variety. Miss Manners prefers handwritten correspondence, however she’s going to take what she will get.
Please ship your inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, www.missmanners.com; to her e-mail, gentlereader@missmanners.com; or by means of postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
