UPDATE: Miss Manners has just addressed a pressing social dilemma regarding smartphone etiquette during dinner gatherings, highlighting concerns over health and hygiene. In a recent column, she provides crucial advice for a reader whose husband is immunocompromised and feels uncomfortable with a friend’s habit of passing around his phone at the dinner table.
With health precautions at the forefront of many people’s minds, this situation strikes a chord with numerous families. The reader seeks a polite way to decline touching the friend’s phone, emphasizing the need for a device-free environment. Miss Manners suggests addressing the issue directly, either privately with the friend or by announcing a “device-free zone” at the table.
However, if the friend continues the practice, Miss Manners advises a clever workaround: simply stand up, engage with your husband, and intercept the phone before passing it on to the next guest. This method not only prevents awkwardness but also maintains the social flow of the gathering.
In another scenario, Miss Manners addresses a neighbor’s invitation for a post-Christmas open house where guests are asked to bring food. Though no RSVP was requested, she insists it is still polite to respond, whether accepting or declining the invitation. This highlights the importance of etiquette, even in casual settings.
Additionally, she tackles the question of traveling with friends who may not share similar interests, asserting that there is no obligation to travel together. Instead, she recommends keeping travel plans private while avoiding discussions that might lead to uncomfortable planning meetings.
Miss Manners’ insights resonate with many readers navigating the complexities of modern social interactions. Her advice not only fosters respect and consideration among friends and family but also addresses the growing concerns of health safety in communal settings.
As social dynamics evolve, her practical guidance offers essential tools for maintaining etiquette and kindness, especially in a time when health and comfort are top priorities.
For more on Miss Manners’ timeless wisdom, visit her official website at www.missmanners.com.
