Don’t mock cautious friend who got coronavirus anyway
Dear Miss Manners:
I have a friend, “Maya,” who has been very cautious about the virus. She has for the most part stayed home, having groceries delivered and keeping up friendships via technology.
I respect her choices, but I’ve been quite a bit more “out there.” I go shopping, to the salon and out to restaurants. I wear a mask and social distance. Maya has “tsk, tsked” me this whole time and said some insulting things about my intelligence.
Well, guess who got the virus? She did! I have remained healthy and active and have tested negative several times.
Luckily, Maya was able to recover without hospitalization. I feel she owes me some sort of apology, or at least an acknowledgment that her “I’m better than you” attitude was wrong. Should I open a conversation or just let it go?
Gentle Reader:
We try not to pick on sick people. Yes, Miss Manners knows that Maya was picking on you, but as you object to that, you should not be returning it in kind.
Besides, what is your point? That the virus can strike despite precautions does not mean that one should not take precautions.
If it is any comfort to you, not saying “nyah-nyah” is more effective than saying it. She will hear her own words better if you are silent.
Dear Miss Manners:
What do you think about the fairly new practice of “return receipts” — sales receipts to include with a gift, provided by the store to facilitate returns?
I’m of two minds about it, myself. Such receipts certainly make returning gifts easier, but I dislike the presumption that goes hand in hand with the receipt: that the recipient probably won’t care much for what I’ve picked out.
Gentle Reader:
Oh, those naughty stores, packing such receipts with presents that are perfect and no one would ever want to return. However, considering that it is not done by the giver, Miss Manners considers these a good idea.