| OCR Text |
Thursday, January 25, TIIK DAILY HI KVI.D. I'rovo, I'tuh 1VJ6 HI Dear Miss Manners: I be!on writers group that meets to read our works aloud and receive feedback from fellow writers. There is one man I don't exactly hit it off with. We had both been asked to judge a writing contest and couldn't agree on a to a local high-scho- ol Judith ; - Maiflu ynl xLarJ ing, due to similarities in the two women's names. The gift was especially appreciated because we normally exchange only simple notes and telephone calls. I am quite certain that my brother's wife was responsible for choosing and sending it. My error occurred in my rush to address and mail them an elegant card and personal message of appreciation. Normally I address all correspondence to them by hand, so I hadn't updated the computer information for several years in-la- w has been a wonderful addi- tion to the family. She is warm and loving and has done her best to instill culture and refinement in my brother who was, perhaps (until now!) the least decorous among us five siblings. I have since received an angry note from my brother, written "on my envelope, reminding me of his wife's name. I have learned my lesson about the improper use of my computer for personal correspondence, but what shall I do to correct my error? Gentle Reader: Grovel. Grovel, grovel, grovel. since before his marriage. I should mention that my sister- - one of the oddities of etithat a transgression so easy quette to make and so devoid of ill intent is so grievous. People are forever getting names wrong, for a lot less It is technologically advanced reasons than you supplied, but even the most forgetful will be furious at anyone's getting that person's own name wrong. In this case, Miss Manners knows groveling will work, because it has already worked on her. Your letter to Miss Manners has amply documented your eagerness to please, your remorse over your mistake, your admiration and S Iff . fondness for your and your gratitude that it was she. and not her predecessor, w ho marH ried your brother. That last point should be particularly effective. Dear Miss Manners I am a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding. The bride has requested the wedding party to split the cost of the limousine service for the bride and groom. I didn't feel this was an approsister-in-law- priate request. your opinion. am interested I Pae BS in 1 Gentle Reader: Would you settle for advice instead? Miss Man ners' opinion ol people who try bill their friends would need of woik to squeeze itself into polite phrasing: Not f eing quite cruel enough to suggest-- 1 that the wedding party simply resign at this indication that they tire not being treated 'as friends,7 she suggests that they collectively decline the request. Perhaps a letter otherwise laced with affection, but saying, 'We;jv!e talked it over, and we have decided that we would prefer that you walk," would remind these people that you are supposed to attend them, not bankroll them. i il Miss Manners winner. He discarded all of the manuscripts that I liked, and I liked and since then only three of his we have been cool to each other. When I began reading a short story to the group, this man stood up as I was in the middle and walked out of the room (to go to the restroom, I presume). Am I right to feel insulted? He had plenty of time to go before I started reading my story. And as I'm not known for reading lengthy works, I'm sure he could have waited until I'd finished. I feel he did this as a deliberate slight. Later, when he read one of his poems, I very much wanted to do the same thing to him, but I'm not, by nature, a rude person. If this should happen again, is there anything I can say to put him in his place? Gentle Reader: If you are not by nature a rude person, should you really be training yourself to be one? Should Miss Manners be the one to help you? Her advice is to drop the idea of petty retaliations and make an effort to get along with someone who shares membership wi,th you hi a sort of club. Feuds are 'not as much fun as those who plan them seem to think. If you really can't contain yourself, Miss Manners will allow you to use pointed politeness. The next time this person gets up while you are reading, stop, look up pleasantly, and say, "I'll wait till you get I r mim mini mail Ill inn n iiii.immiii in minimi i n iniiiii mi iiimiiiiiiiiiiii i n mum iiiijiiiii in niiii ' iiiiiii i" ' ' i 4n&.. CTMAI HIT) AYS 1 j 4 Semi Loads of Merchandise just J2AMc back." Dear Miss Manners: Respond- ; ing to a lovely birthday present I received through the mail from my I pulled brother and brother's up my existing address d from my computer and it directly on the envelope. Unfortunately, the address contained my brother's name, instead of that of his wife. This has been a sensitive issue in the past, both because (thankfully) his wife is very different from and because the his error apparently happened frequently when they were first dat- sister-in-la- laser-printe- By JEANE DIXON For Jan. 26 t 19): A little ARIES (March more initiative on your part should open the door to membership in a special circle. Your plans are taking a new turn. A promotional campaign gets off to a flying start. y TAURUS (April 20): Your plans should be kept secret to prevent interference. Stock market and real estate proposals sound promising. Your mate or partner shares some intriguing news. GEMINI (May 20): A cautious, conservative approach works best today. A plan's success depends on your discretion. Innovative methods help you stay ahead of the competition. CANCER (June 2 1 --July 22): Shared hopes and prayers lead to fulfillment. Do not argue with a decision that will ensure good all around. Constructive action is a guarantee of splendid results. : LEO (July 22): A good working ; i'lationship is complicated but not impossifeel- -' - t)le. The the on is focus to positive key mgs that exist. Make love a priority in your Mile. t. 22): A message VIRGO (Aug. ' may not make sense. Find out more details exhilarat- ; before making a final decision. An be Salespeople on ing trip may your agenda. 1 ill do extraordinarily well. A bonus or raise is likely. LIBRA (Sept. t. 22): Plan ahead so Ithal you can handle any small emergencies "that might arise today. Your mate or partner will back you to the hilt. Changes that are forced on you will ultimately help you out. 21): Avoid SCORPIO (Oct. office intrigues your position or authority could be at stake. An older person offers 'excellent advice; follow it to the letter. Certain personal plans may have to be postponed. Be a good sport. c. V SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21): ,'Your mental processes are sharp today. Zero in on a complex problem. Guard your , resources; read the fine print before signing contracts. A loved one is highly opinionated. 19): A great CAPRICORN (Dec. day for travel and business. Extra money can be made with hard work. Do not count on J financial speculation for quick cash. A family member confronts you with a tricky problem, i Be patient. b 18): Drive AQUARIUS (Jan. .'carefully, especially during the early inorn- -' ing. You need to obtain as much information as possible before making major purchases. Your mate or partner could have a short fuse. 20): Backstage PISCES (Feb. can vault you into a wheeling-and-dealin- g know to use position of greater power. You An to advantage. -- other your people's talents romance will test your patience. I AK S to I. pi '.' : I I |
