DEAR MISS MANNERS: We’ve lived in our home for 17 years and the neighbors behind us have all the time been renters.
I’ve solely met the proprietor as soon as, when our mutual fence blew over in a windstorm. He arrange a contractor to switch the fence; I supplied to pay for half of it, which he declined.
The issue is, there’s an apple tree that was planted too near the property line earlier than we moved in. This tree has by no means been correctly pruned by an arborist, the renters or the owner. Yearly when the apples ripen, roughly 50 to 75 apples drop on our aspect of the fence for a number of weeks.
I am going out day by day and throw the apples again over the fence so my canine doesn’t eat them. These apples additionally carry undesirable raccoons and porcupines to our yard, each of which may very well be dangerous to our canine. Is it petty of me to throw the apples again over the fence?
GENTLE READER: Don’t you want apple pie? Or apple fritters? Or apple dumplings? If not, why not communicate to the proprietor — whom you already know, from that one encounter, to be gracious?
Miss Manners would strongly recommend politely alerting the renters to the issue. Pitching apples over the fence can simply be interpreted as a hostile act, even in the event you first examine to see that there isn't any hazard of hitting anybody. You do examine, don’t you?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When somebody enters an unlocked, single-stall restroom, solely to find too late that somebody is utilizing that facility, what's the correct response?
The few instances I've by chance disturbed somebody, I depart as rapidly as potential with out saying something and whereas avoiding eye contact. I don't apologize on my means out, as I imagine it’s the job of the lavatory person to make sure the door is locked behind them.
Regardless, do I owe them an apology on my means out for the embarrassment they doubtless incurred?
GENTLE READER: Avoiding eye contact and making a fast exit are the chief necessities on this awkward scenario, so Miss Manners was about to commend you.
However why do you grudge tossing off a fast apology? That individual was discomforted by your entrance. Sure, it will have been prudent to lock the door. However it will have been prudent of you to knock.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When did we begin answering “Is it too late to go to?” with “In fact, come on over”?
That now-common reply makes no logical sense: “In fact it's too late” just isn't the meant response. The logical reply ought to be “In no way, come on over,” or one thing comparable. However I see this “In fact” reply usually in books and in individual.
GENTLE READER: Extra doubtless, the reply ought to be, “Nicely, it's a bit late, however I’d like to see you another time.” Nevertheless, many individuals can't say no.
And you aren't even happy with the best way they are saying sure. Miss Manners presumes that the phrase that offends you is definitely elliptical for “In fact (it’s not too late); come on over.” Anyway, she forgives them as a result of it's late, and also you woke them up.
Please ship your inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, www.missmanners.com; to her e-mail, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or by way of postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.