Dismiss acquaintance’s e-mails with delete key

JUDITH MARTIN

Dear Miss Manners: An acquaintance of mine sends me almost daily e -mails. During the election in 2008, she sent very rude messages about the party to which she was opposed, which happens to be the party for which I voted. After a while, I simply deleted them.

She has started again with the insults, and I don’t know if I should keep deleting them or make it clear that I do not appreciate her opinions. She is not a good friend, but I do not want to antagonize her, as she has done me some favors in the past.

However, I do not know how to gracefully handle this situation. Should I politely mention that I do not find these e -mails funny, or should I just be a wimp and delete them?

Gentle Reader: What is the purpose you hope to achieve? Well, besides saving yourself a few seconds on the delete key?

Miss Manners presumes that you regularly perform the chore we all now have of clearing the in-box of unwanted mail that manages to sneak through the spam filter. But she doubts that you consider responding to repeated sales pitches, pleas from foreigners who need your bank account number to claim their inheritances, and unsubstantiated warnings from ill-informed alarmists.

Yet you have trouble dismissing your acquaintance’s e -mails. See if you can overcome that.

First, dispense with the notion that you can disparage the lady’s wit and wisdom without offending her. It can’t be done. You may be sure that any answer you give will provoke more of the statements you are trying to avoid.

Then ask yourself whether you want to enter into a political debate with someone you find rude and insulting.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, missmanners.com.