Greetings, Miss Manners I’m now spending a few days in my hometown staying with a family friend and her husband. I haven’t talked to the husband much because it’s obvious that he doesn’t like me staying here.
The spouse filed for divorce on the second day I was here. The tension is intense, and I can hear them fighting now.
How can I communicate with him more? Is avoiding him impolite? Right now, we hardly talk to each other.
Stories by
Judith Martin
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Miss Manners: How can I stop busybody neighbors from constantly commenting on my work schedule?
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PERSONAL READER: Right now? You’re staying here, listening to your hosts argue till they’re divorcing? The only thing you need to know is how to handle an unappreciative host.
Even in the most dire situations, a guest must be polite. When it comes to accidents, the rule that applies here is to jump in and help if you can. If not, stop staring and go on.
When you saw that the host was not delighted with your presence, for whatever reason, Miss Manners questions why you did not depart for your own sake. Undoubtedly, the discomfort and awkwardness you would have gone through would have been preferable than being an unwanted visitor.
On your walk out, you may have said, “I wish you both well,” to him and his wife.
Miss Manners can be reached by email at [email protected], via her website at www.missmanners.com, or by mail at Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
