But the term is not to be understood in a literal way. GENTLE READER: Putting aside the substance of the gift (Miss Manners does not consider money a proper present), you are right that presents are generally given per household. Should we send the couple three individual gifts (most likely cash or checks), or would it be appropriate to pool together and send one envelope? We received three separate invitations to the event. My nephew is getting married next year whether or not we will be able to attend is still unknown. It may interest you to know that Miss Manners, who, in her profession, corrects everyone, would consider it the height of rudeness were she to correct a friend or acquaintance face-to-face.ĭEAR MISS MANNERS: Due to circumstances surrounding the pandemic, my brother, father and I are all living under the same roof. Parents may correct their own, growing children. Miss Manners does not dictate that no one can correct another person’s manners - only who may do so, and sometimes when. GENTLE READER: You are correct that if no one’s manners were ever corrected, we would all be eating with our hands and wiping our mouths on the tablecloth. I don’t expect you to change your mind on this point of etiquette, but I’m genuinely interested in your thoughts.

But if it can be done nicely, wouldn’t it be helpful to say, “Shelby, do you realize how rude it is when you do X?” I realize it can be difficult to do this kindly if one is feeling insulted by the rudeness. I’ve always been told this, but it leads me to this question: How are others to learn better manners if they’re never corrected when they’re rude? Miss Manners: I dumped his gifts at his door to make a point, and now I want them backĭEAR MISS MANNERS: You’ve said it’s considered rude to correct others’ manners.

Gentle reader emily post