Greetings, Miss Manners I went to a family’s birthday celebration. I wanted to be courteous because it was my first time at their house.
To my delight, their house featured two charging connections that were clearly visible and empty, and I drive an electric car. If I had plugged my car in, would that have been offensive? It seemed invasive to ask an already busy hostess for permission.
I am aware that I would have been more than delighted to have someone charging at my house in the opposite circumstance. Even with high electricity costs, a four-hour charge would come to about $10, which I would be pleased to include in the typical party fees. Could I please help myself?
PERSONAL READER: The charging station’s conspicuous placement makes it a temptation for you and a convenience for the homeowner, not an invitation. The price is irrelevant.
Asking permission is the courteous thing to do when you are visiting someone’s home for the first time or for the fiftyth time. If a top-off is required, Miss Manners is sure you can find a peaceful time to accomplish it.
Stories by
Judith Martin
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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.
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