Ms. Modern Manners was presented with a very modern quandary. "A colleague's mother passed away. Is it modern manners to write a condolence note by email?"
Ms. Modern Manners, who loves her email, didn't bat an eyelash: a handwritten note expressing sympathy, honestly and with care, is best. Ms. Modern Manners has a weakness for all things stationery so you might hastily dismiss her advice but a handwritten note shows extra effort. To MMM's despair, a handwritten note stands out these days and is a welcome and unexpected gift in a world of constant texts, tweets and emails.
The expression of sympathy is what matters most so if email is your only option then compose away.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
To eat or not to eat
Ms. Modern Manners was recently dining with her mother when the owner of a restaurant sent over a delicious appetizer on the house. Ms. Modern Manners and mom were touched. They then proceeded to get into a heated discussion about their obligation to eat, or not to eat, the tasty treat.
Mom thanked the owner but believed they were under no obligation to eat the appetizer. Mom was watching her figure and has a few food allergies so she wasn't willing to sacrifice her health or waistline for a moment on the lips. Ms. Modern Manners strongly disagreed. Mom wasn't allergic to what he sent, she just didn't want to eat it. And, in her opinion, it was incumbent upon them to show their thanks by eating what he sent.
Last night, Ms. Modern Manners and friends were out at their favorite watering hole and trays of food arrived from the the owner. This is common place: almost every time Ms. Modern Manners visits this divine saloon she is treated to delicious drinks and food. And each and every time she continues to be extremely grateful and touched by the special treatment and the sentiment behind the gift of food and drink. Ms. Modern Manners has gained more than a few pounds thanks to this owner's generosity and love. And she continues to be touched. She hugs him, thanks him profusely, and eats the delicious food, feeling lucky to be treated so kindly.
Food and drink are expressions of thanks for loyalty and patronage. Through appetizers, warm chocolate chip cookies, and cocktails, these restauranteurs show love and thanks.
So, my friends, eat those truffle fries! Smile and say thank you more than once. Tip the waitstaff extra and enjoy the VIP treatment.
Mom thanked the owner but believed they were under no obligation to eat the appetizer. Mom was watching her figure and has a few food allergies so she wasn't willing to sacrifice her health or waistline for a moment on the lips. Ms. Modern Manners strongly disagreed. Mom wasn't allergic to what he sent, she just didn't want to eat it. And, in her opinion, it was incumbent upon them to show their thanks by eating what he sent.
Last night, Ms. Modern Manners and friends were out at their favorite watering hole and trays of food arrived from the the owner. This is common place: almost every time Ms. Modern Manners visits this divine saloon she is treated to delicious drinks and food. And each and every time she continues to be extremely grateful and touched by the special treatment and the sentiment behind the gift of food and drink. Ms. Modern Manners has gained more than a few pounds thanks to this owner's generosity and love. And she continues to be touched. She hugs him, thanks him profusely, and eats the delicious food, feeling lucky to be treated so kindly.
Food and drink are expressions of thanks for loyalty and patronage. Through appetizers, warm chocolate chip cookies, and cocktails, these restauranteurs show love and thanks.
So, my friends, eat those truffle fries! Smile and say thank you more than once. Tip the waitstaff extra and enjoy the VIP treatment.
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