Weighing the price of materialism
Dear Miss Manners:
I have a neighbor across the hall who has some issues but is a sweet lady. I am trying to figure out what this condition is called so I can be as helpful as possible.
She always attaches a price to everything: “I spent $50 on these pizzas and wings; this plate cost $15; I used $5 of gas to come to you; I donated $35 worth of food to the food pantry.”
We have always chipped in without prompting, so these statements are not to get us to pay for our fair share of something. It is obvious she has an issue with money, but we are unsure of what attaching a dollar amount to every facet of life means to her.
Gentle Reader:
It used to be called materialism, but Miss Manners recognizes that the condition is so contagious as to no longer be distinguishing. Fortunately, if the information has no value to this lady, then there is no reason for you to take any notice, either.
Dear Miss Manners:
I remember the ageold adage not to wear a white dress as a guest to a wedding. The dress I’m considering is a whitebackground sundress: mostly white but with blue flowers, like a toile print.
It’s pretty, but does it compete with the bride? I have other dresses but was eyeing this one (assuming the wedding comes off as planned during this second pandemic summer).
Gentle Reader:
That rule, not often obeyed these days, also prohibited black and red. It said nothing about blue flowers, and Miss Manners sees no danger of anyone mistaking this for a wedding dress.