I did some research online and learned that some types of phones have a fun feature that allows users to recognize texts by adding a thumbs up or a heart. How nice. But for the rest of us who don’t have this feature, it’s REALLY ANNOYING.
I realize that part of the burden falls on the rest of us to kindly let our friends and family know that this feature doesn’t translate (do you have any advice on how to phrase this?), but would you ready to help get the word out? People should reconsider before clicking “Like” on every text.
Sure. What would you say“Oh, no, sorry, I missed your birthday invitation. I’m afraid it got buried in the chain of likes and repeated text messages on my phone. I wonder if we could all verbally express our approval rather than using those buttons so that I don’t miss any first-hand information.
And then Miss Manners suggests that you turn off your phone – if you want to avoid having your post liked and repeated over and over again.
Dear Miss Manners: It is normal for a parent to be proud of their child’s accomplishments. Is it possible to express what certainly looks like pride in the accomplishments of family and close friends without being paternalistic?
If I say I’m proud of my sister for reaching a milestone in her job, or of my friend for a beautiful birthday cake he made, am I implying that I don’t give credit – like a parent might with their child? Am I overthinking this? I don’t want to offend anyone.
For whom Miss Manners assures you, she feels pride.
Those looking to take offense can certainly find condescension in the sentiment — or probably in its tone, depending on how it’s said. Because in Miss Manners’ view, it’s not so much the idea of taking credit for it as the implication that you thought the task couldn’t be done. Therefore, she suggests keeping that pride alive by baking a birthday cake for someone other than your adult friend.
Dear Miss Manners: My recently married son and daughter-in-law received antique drinking glasses from my sister as a wedding gift, which they don’t like. They wonder if it would be okay to give them to me or someone else.
I don’t know what to do, because it might hurt my sister’s feelings if she sees that I have them now. Can you tell us what to do?
Re-recording only works if you don’t get caught. Consider applicants with that in mind, and Miss Manners will sign it.
New Miss Manners columns are published Monday to Saturday at washingtonpost.com/board. You can send questions to Miss Manners on her website, missmanners.com. You can also follow her @RealMissManners.
