A letter writer wonders when a goodbye ends.
When is it okay to consider a “goodbye” finished? When does a goodbye have to be followed by waving, and for how long?
After we’ve said goodbye in the parking lot and the other person begins to drive away, do I have to wave again as they drive by, waving at me? Or can I turn my back and focus on getting into my own car? Some people seem to think it’s rude if I don’t wave as they drive past me.
What if guests are leaving after a long stay with us — do I have to stand and wave until they are out of sight, as some family members expect? If we are the ones leaving, do we have to wave out the back window until we round the corner? It seems rude to turn away from people who are waving or watching, but in each of these scenarios, we already said a warm goodbye.
A private discussion ensues later about this. The subject woman is furious. The subject man explains: “Yes, I acknowledge the failure, but I did not want to embarrass our friends by exhibiting proper manners and calling attention to their failure to do so. Exhibiting manners should never serve to embarrass others in a public setting.”Manners is siding with your wife. You should have exhibited your excellent manners , which cannot reasonably be interpreted as a criticism of anyone else.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Miss Colorado resigns days after Miss USA, Miss Teen USA quit their crownsArianna Lemus said in a statement that she stands in solidarity with Noelia Voigt and UmaSofia Srivastava, who resigned from their titles last week.
Read more »
Miss Manners: When flying, should I switch seats, even if my current space stinks?I do not want a paying passenger to have to take my bad (but free) seat.
Read more »
Miss Manners: High school senior is bothered by sale rep’s ‘the more you buy’ pitch“The more you buy,” he said, “the more gifts you get, so be sure to buy lots -- and send them not just to family, but to everyone you can think of!”
Read more »
Miss Manners: Wait, what? Considerate airline passengers?Advice from Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin.
Read more »
Miss Manners: Do I give my relative honest feedback on their self-published memoir?Advice from Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin.
Read more »
Miss Manners: Keep feedback vague if relative asks about their memoir that you think is uninterestingI have no wish to be unkind, as taking the trouble to write and publish this book clearly meant a great deal to my relative.
Read more »