There’s no polite way to call someone stupid
Dear Miss Manners:
With the advent of current events being headlined via social media, what is the proper way to inform a participant that their information is false, including verification, without this Southern gentleman’s informing said offender that he/she may be the stupidest creature ever to draw breath?
Gentle Reader:
Well, not that. No matter how much Southern charm you dress it up in.
If one were to go around correcting and berating everyone who spoke an untruth, one would do little else. And the fact that this behavior is being modeled by people we nevertheless elect to office does not excuse it.
If you wish to shield yourself from lies and propaganda, Miss Manners suggests that you disengage from offensive social media. Doing so provides a much more pleasant existence and allows you to maintain friendships that might otherwise be dissolved.
If you cannot resist engaging, she would limit you to the occasional response that the offender “might be mistaken,” accompanied by corrected information. But as it is as easy to manufacture and call up incorrect “facts” as correct ones on the internet, do not be surprised if that person comes back for more and the battle continues.
Dear Miss Manners:
Iama guest at an upcoming wedding. Due to health issues, I must eat low-sodium. The bride, groom and mother of the groom all know this.
The mother of the groom just told me what the main dish is. It will consist of nearly four meals’ worth of sodium. Just for the entree.
Normally, at a restaurant, I eat half and box half for tomorrow’s lunch. I worry that a wedding is different. I don’t go to very many, and I am less than six months into the new dietary restriction.
Is it allowed to box up leftovers to enjoy at a later date?
Also, can I get away with not wearing hose with my shoes?
Gentle Reader:
No and yes. A wedding is different from a restaurant in that it is an extension of the hosts’ home. Leftovers should certainly not be expected to be part of the deal.
Eat what you can, and leave the rest on your plate, ensuring beforehand that you are well fortified before attending the event. For your trouble, Miss Manners will be lenient about not wearing stockings.
Dear Miss Manners:
Ihada sudden allergy attack while waiting for a friend in the lobby of a nice restaurant. A very kind older gentleman saw my situation and offered me his handkerchief. I was very grateful and thanked him through tears and runny nose. Before I gained my composure, he was gone.
I just stuffed the used handkerchief in my purse, but what would be the proper thing to do if this were a person I would be in further contact with? Such as at a dinner party, or on some form of public transportation? Surely I wouldn’t give it back?
Gentle Reader:
Yes, but only after assuring the owner that it is being returned in better condition than after it was borrowed.
Dear Miss Manners:
How much time should elapse before an RSVP is answered?
Gentle Reader:
Long enough for the recipient to get to the nearest telephone, device or desk.