Miss Manners: Should I risk insulting my neighbor by being blunt about her dog?
Briefly

A neighbor frequently requests to let their dog play with your dogs, causing discomfort due to excessive barking and the need for personal space. After communicating that barking dogs give headaches, the neighbor continues to ask. In another scenario, a couple made a special meal, which led to food poisoning for you and your husband. While appreciating their efforts, representing the experience when dining out poses a challenge regarding honesty and politeness with friends about the food's effect.
You might need to express to your neighbor that barking dogs give you headaches, and suggest your dog is not in the mood for playdates right now.
Your friends put in a lot of effort to make a meal for you, so it complicates matters to also bring up food poisoning from that meal.
When declining social invitations where you feel the need but do not have the energy, it’s alright to prioritize your well-being and communicate that.
In situations involving delicate exchanges with friends over food, balance gratitude and honesty with tact, ensuring you appreciate the gesture while addressing the issue.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
[
|
]