The article addresses two different situations involving setting personal boundaries. The first pertains to an introverted individual adjusting to living in a close-knit suburban community, seeking polite ways to maintain personal space without alienating neighbors. Miss Manners suggests avoiding uninvited conversations by focusing on being discreet. The second situation revolves around a couple dealing with their extended family's expectation of shared belongings. Here, the advice is about teaching discretion and asserting the value of personal possessions without damaging familial relationships.
Raise the fence, and lower your gaze when passing it. If you get caught, look distracted, apologize, and say pleasantly that you are so sorry you cannot stop to talk.
You might consider explaining to the kids that, while you appreciate their interest, the items you own are special to you and not available for giving away.
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