Dear Maxy,
I don't know how to get rid of my pest of a neighbor, I moved to this community three years ago after my divorce . I befriended "Joyce" a woman in her 70s who lives two doors down .Joyce won't leave me alone . When I entertain my fiance or friends, she is sure to walk over uninvited and interrupt us . I've given her my business card and asked her to call first to make sure I'm not busy . It hasn't worked . She also drinks my wine and even though she has an extensive wine collection, she never ofters to replace the bottle she consumed at my place .
At times, I've had to shut my curtains and hide in my bedroom until she is gone . Help.
Prisoner in My Own Home
Dear Prisoner ,
Joyce is lonely and either clueless or deliberately obtuse .It is a kindness to include her when you can , but you are entitled to entertain without her . So you will need to be a bit more assertive and willing to upset her . The next time Joyce comes over unannounced and unwanted, stop her at the door and say, "I'm sorry, Joyce," I have company . You will have to come back at another time ." If she gets teary, pushy or anything else, simply repeat that she will have to come back at another time .
Maxy
Dear Maxy,
My 16-year-old son likes a young lady who lives in our neighborhood . He told me he would like to take her to the movies for their first date . I'm am a little nervous to say yes because this is the first time my son has expressed to me this type of feeling toward this young lady . I think I would chaperone my son on his first date . I don't want to embarrass my son, but I want him to have a great time . What is a mother to do ?
Mother May I
Dear Mother May I ,
Going to the movies can be a nice first date . What's even nicer is that your son asked your permission to set it up . At age 16, it is normal for him to want to court a young lady . I suggest that you remind him of boundaries and approptiate behavior and let him go, on his own, with your blessing . If he has his own money , that's great . If he needs financial assistance, give him what it costs for the two tickets plus a little extra for snacks . You want him to feel empowered during the date and to be a gentleman .
Give him a curfew .
When he comes home, give him a little space . You can ask him how his date went but let him reveal details . He could easily be a little uncomfortable about talking about the first time he has invited a girl to go out . If he seems to like this young lady, suggest that he invite her over sometime so you can meet her .
Maxy
Dear Maxy ,
I placed an order with a local restaurant and at the end of the order I told them that I would come to the restaurant to pick it up .
When the food was ready, I went to the restaurant to pay . The cashier asked if I would like to leave a tip . I did not leave a tip because I went to the restaurant to pick up my food . Do you think I should have left a tip ? What is the proper etiquette when it comes to tipping for picking up an order ?
Hungry Man
Dear Hungry Man ,
As you might imagine, there are varying opinions on this topic . People who have worked in food service suggest that you should leave something up to 10 percent of the bill because people who worked at the restaurant prepared the food , packaged it and got it ready for you to pick up .
I would say that if you placed a very large order or complicated order or if the restaurant did something extra, above and beyond the basics , it would be thoughtful to add a small tip . Outside of that, though, I do not subscribe to the automatic tip for takeout .
When it comes to eating in, 20 percent or more is the norm to follow unless you receive horrible service .
Maxy
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