We followed up with readers who got advice from our etiquette experts.
“Getting validation from the column helped.
They leave it on pretty much all the time, and it shines directly into her house.
Photo:Hanna Barczyk
She asked Michelle how best to handle this.
Michelle’s response was simple: “Bring a basket of something delicious.
Introduce yourself, compliment their home, then get to the floodlight.”
Ultimately, she didn’t want to risk rocking the neighborhood boat.
The ever-thoughtful Catherine proposed transparencywith a little white lie.
“We were fortunate that it didn’t end up being a huge issue.”
“Bad” meaning “used.”
As in coloring books with pages scribbled in, and used toys with missing pieces.
Always fair and reasonable, Jenna and Hoda pointed out that some people are just not great gift givers.
“And take a hand-me-down for what it’s worth,” Hoda said.
The advice seeker says this shift in mindset has helped.
(It’s less wasteful!
The item has been extra loved!)
“I’m gracious in the moment and shrug it off,” she wrote.
“But it truly does hurt my feelings and seems rude of her to laugh.”
Katherine asked Jenna and Hoda what she should do.
“Sometimes people make jokes not knowing they’re pushing a button,” Jenna said.
Hoda advised pulling the woman aside to let her know that the jokes hurt.
“Once you tell someone it’s your sensitive spot, that helps.
We all have one,” Hoda added.
“I truly appreciate Hoda’s and Jenna’s thoughts,” Katherine says.
Be curious about who’s sitting next to you.
The Worst
Savannah Guthrie:No elbows on the table.
This isn’t Downton Abbey.
Lean in to hear the people you’re with, and put your elbows on the table!
Have an Etiquette Question?
Email Jenna at modernmanners@realsimple.com.
