“How do I deal with people who make rude or inappropriate comments on my Facebook posts (think: off-color religious or political jokes)?” writes a reader who asked to remain anonymous. “These are not close friends—sometimes people I barely know but am connected with online. I worry it’s offensive to delete their comments, but I don’t want other people in my […]
more about: etiquette
‘Dead on Time, as Only the Dreaded Can Be’
Most party guests know how to interpret an invitation. If it says “starts at 7,” that usually means, “The host will be dashing around, attending to last-minute details until 7:15, after which she will be happy to see you.” But not all guests. This week’s etiquette question comes from a reader named JoanieK, who wrote: “Whenever I have a party, […]
If My Daughter’s a Flower Girl, Do I Deserve an Invitation?
Let’s say you live in the same house as your ex-wife, but are no longer romantically involved. Should you be invited to your her friend’s wedding if your 5-year-old daughter is a flower girl? Should I repeat that one? If you had a hard time following along, maybe it’s because the situation is complicated. Here’s how a reader named MHoffman2 […]
Is It Facebook’s Fault if You’re Self-Centered?
Does Facebook turn you into a narcissist? This is the question posed (but not answered) by a recent column in the New York Times. Citing a number of recent students of Facebook users, the Times article described the research so far: Facebook users who tag themselves in photos and frequently update their statuses are more narcissistic; self-centered people are more […]
For Richer or Poorer: It Costs $1,000 to Be a Bridesmaid?
“I’m horrified at your advice to the cash-strapped bridesmaid in the May issue,” a reader named SarahPNC wrote this week. ”The bridesmaid already spent over $1,000 on the wedding. I say that she can bow out of the group gift.” Let’s get out our calculators; wedding season is underway. In the case of one cash-strapped bridesmaid who wrote to Real Simple […]
Can I Get You Something From the Bar? (Not)
“What should you do when you’re at a party having a conversation with someone, and you suddenly realize they are obviously not listening?” writes a reader named JS. “You are talking away, when you notice the person you are addressing is straining to hear another conversation going on nearby,” she writes. “How does one handle this situation?” Cut your losses, JS. […]
Rude Kids: How to (Politely) Put a Stop to It
This week’s question comes from a reader named Jill, who is getting increasingly exasperated by the rude behavior of one of the children in her carpool. “Everyone always says ‘it takes a village,’ yet what do you do as a parent when someone else’s child is perpetually rude to you?” Jill wrote. By rude, Jill means: “rude at your house […]
Give Me That Babysitter, I Saw Her First!
“Dear Michelle: I complete disagree with your column saying a friend is wrong for not sharing a babysitter. NO WAY! It’s hard enough to find a reliable available sitter,” wrote a reader named JACM1234. “Add to that friends homing in on the same sitter, and we’ve found ourselves hosed when we really needed a sitter,” JACM1234 wrote. “True friends understand […]
