Greetings, Miss Manners I’m looking for a courteous method to control an overly giving friend.
My group of friends regularly gets together for potluck dinners by a nearby lake during the summer months. The SMS chain has read, “Great, I’ll bring a salad!” for years. I’ll be there. I can bring some hamburgers. Alright! Allow me to bring brownies. It’s enjoyable and low key.
One friend has repeatedly declared that she just prepared, say, two extra pots of chili or ten extra short ribs, along with a large salad and a side dish. She will simply bring everything.
Although this is great once or twice, I believe it alters our collective approach on purpose when done repeatedly. What advice would you give?
PERSONAL READER: Though I believe others would wish to contribute, your feasts are more than generous. We will all be less burdened if you don’t mind bringing only one dish rather than several. We also get to sample each other’s cuisine.
Which may be the reason this buddy took over the meals in the first place, now that Miss Manners thinks about it.
Stories by
Judith Martin
-
Miss Manners: Relative s awkward social comments veer discussions off topic
-
Miss Manners: Pokey dinner guest doesn t even start eating until almost everyone else is finished
-
Miss Manners: I was hurt, shocked when family said how much cuter my newborn is than his sister
Greetings, Miss Manners Yesterday, I received the heartbreaking news that my neighbors’ young adult son had died.
These neighbors are strangers to me. Although our children are the same age, they rarely played together and went to different schools. Mostly via my window, I witnessed this young man’s development.
Last night, I happened to be up late and witnessed the parents coming home from the hospital. I considered asking them if they might spend some time at my place before returning to their younger children, but I decided that would probably be too intrusive.
What can I do to show them kindness instead of attracting attention to myself, aside than sending a card of sympathy?
PERSONAL READER: Ask politely if they require assistance with the kids. Tell them that the entire family is welcome to visit your home at any time.
Although Miss Manners is unsure if they will accept, it is a considerate gesture that they might value and find helpful in the future.
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.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
