DEAR MISS MANNERS: After easing restrictions because of the pandemic, an outdated buddy got here to dinner with us, simply the 2 of us.
It has been a protracted pandemic for all of us, however particularly for her. She needed to ship all of the purchases, together with groceries. She did not come out for a couple of years.
She requested if she may take her canine, to which I agreed. Her canine is just not an issue. The issue is that after dinner she went to the bathroom, and the canine needed to go there together with her. It is a small toilet so my buddy stated she would go away the door open so the canine may are available together with her.
She left the door open three extra instances whereas pissing whereas she was at my home, whether or not or not the canine was frightened, and she or he did not ask. And I may hear the whole lot.
Now she’s hinting that she’d prefer to go to a “stylish” restaurant with me. How, in reality, can I say this with out saying instantly: “Nobody will seem with you in public until they’re certain that you’ll not urinate with an open door”?
CAREFUL READER: As brazen as this lady’s demeanor is, you possibly can’t think about her planning to take her canine to a elaborate restaurant. And it is the canine that appears to be the explanation behind her… ahem… open door coverage.
However in the event you’re frightened, Miss Manners suggests that you just politely warn her, “Oh, I do not assume Chez Hughes permits canine. And I am fairly certain their bathrooms are locked behind them. I hope it will nonetheless be just right for you.”
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I not too long ago bought right into a combat with “Terrence” whom I’ve identified for a very long time. I often do not inform anybody about this controversy, however I am fairly certain Terrence was invited to a mutual buddy’s marriage ceremony, which I will be attending with my spouse. There’s a good probability that we are going to sit on the similar desk, which might be awkward.
Might I contact our mutual buddy and request that she, if potential, seat Terrence and me at totally different tables? I do not wish to drag her into this and I perceive that she has lots to do, however it may be simple to do.
CAREFUL READER: Sure, however you additionally do not desire a mutual buddy to inform Terrence that you have requested a change. Are there different pals you possibly can ask to sit down with with out arousing suspicion? In case you act fastidiously and respectfully, Ms. Manners will let you ask: “I am certain you have already thought out your seating plan properly, however it could be nice to meet up with the Waltons. Have you ever already seated us all someplace?
If it is too late and you end up sitting subsequent to Terrence, you might be able to discover a refined technique to transfer your chair by saying, “We see one another on a regular basis; do you thoughts switching locations? Hiya my Title Is …”
Please ship your inquiries to Miss Manners on her web site www.missmanners.com; to her electronic mail, Dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or by mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
