Etiquette Q&A
This is a new section on this Blog for you to post and ask your Etiquette Questions and Answers!
Depending on how things go will determine how this section will be managed. Click on Leave a Comment to ask your questions.
Comments
6 Responses to “Etiquette Q&A”-
Subscribe to 123Etiquette.com
-
-
If one goes out on two dates, but not sure what direction the relationship is going, is it o.k to buy achristmas present?
Hey, Diane:
I would go with your gut in regard to where the relationship is going. If in the direction your desire, the a simple thoughtful gift would be nice if you get together to celebrate Christmas. The way I look at it Christmas is all about the giving, not the getting. If you like this person a gift that is thoughtful, such as something inexpensive he mentioned, to share the joy of the season will be appreciated I’m sure! HTH!
I need a response when my elderly (92) mother starts dangling an “inheritance” in front of me to get some particular action from me. I don’t know how much money she has (my brother handles her finances), but she is probably going to need all of it for her own care when she is unable to care for herself. Fortunately, so far, she is able to be reasonably independent. I do not need her money and resent her implication that I am just waiting to get my hands on it. Her feelings will be hurt if I just say “Enough Already!” There must be a gentle way to let her know that she should stop dangling this carrot. Any ideas?
Hey, Al…
I understand your frustration. What I did in a similar situations was to simply ignore those type of comments and reply with “you know I care about you — not your money.” That would be my response in a kind and gentle voice ended with a smile.
Sometimes with age there are negative personality changes or those established sides of someone’s personality become amplified. Not to mention that some level of dementia can be at play here.
I know it is easier said than done, but don’t take it personally. When people are rude and demanding (whether they are this way intentionally or not) it is their problem not yours.
HTH!
Good day,
I send out an informational Email to friends and customers every few weeks talking about what I am doing on the family cattle ranch. Every time I get a few 1 or 2 line Emails in reply from different people thanking me for sending out the Emails, encouraging me to keep doing so or a quick comment on something I wrote about, but does not require an answer. What is the correct way to reply to these Emails?
I think I should reply so they know I got their Email and read it, plus I like all the fed back I can get, but thanking them for thanking me seems wrong. Any suggestions?
Brandan
Hey, Brandan:
You think correctly!
When folks take the time to e-mail with their comments and thoughts, especially in business, you always take the time to reply. Even if to thank them for taking the time to send your their comments. That’s just good business! That is also how you build relationships and show that your company is approachable and concerned about what they think.
I do agree that a thank you for a thank you is not required, necessary or even expected. You will want to check out my site on Business E-mail Etiquette that is chock full of advice specifically related to business e-mail communications.
HTH!