They believe what my mother-in-law tells them.
I have no interest in joining in the name-calling and accusations. There is no point in offering up facts to each infatuated new enabler. How does one politely, but with absolute firmness, tell the outraged and self-righteous to mind their own business?By coldly informing them that they have their facts wrong, explaining that you now have to go — and quietly hanging up.
Timing is critical, as you do not want to leave the impression that you are slamming the phone down, but neither should you agree to share the actual details with someone who, Miss Manners agrees, has no right to inquire.I was a guest at a group dinner featuring a cuisine traditionally eaten with chopsticks. The restaurant served the meal “family style,” with several common dishes in the middle of the table with the intent that diners serve themselves. No serving utensils were provided.
In this setting, what is the proper way to serve oneself from the common plates? The concern is, of course, that using one’s own chopsticks to serve from a common dish is unsanitary.Restaurants also sometimes forget to set as many places as there are people, but that does not mean the last arrival is expected to eat with her hands. Miss Manners instructs you to ask a passing waiter for serving utensils.