However, looking around makes me worry that other drivers will think I’m showing off, they just want to see how many people notice my car. The thought makes me sick. But if someone likes my car and catches my eye to let me know, I have to show my appreciation in some way, maybe by smiling, waving and honking. Ignoring them is rude.
How do I behave while driving so that I don’t look like I’m looking for how many people see me, but recognize those who like the car?
You’re thinking about it. For all anyone knows, you could just as easily honk your horn and smile at an old friend.
Of course, Miss Manners agrees that nobody likes a display, but also: who cares? As long as you don’t get into accidents, she doesn’t see anything wrong with a small car that’s speeding around. enjoy it
Dear Miss Manners: If a man marries a woman whose children are grown and married, does he become her stepfather or just her mother’s husband?
It depends on how children like it very much.
Dear Miss Manners: What’s a host to do when guests fall asleep but insist they’re not tired?
First, a friend came over for dinner after work. Our conversation continued with me in the kitchen and her in the living room, a few feet away. When she stopped answering, I found her fast asleep. After I woke her up, I said we’d meet again when she wasn’t so tired, and I’d even send dinner home with her. She refused, but later fell asleep again, on the table!
In the second case, a contractor fell asleep, three times! — at my kitchen table while discussing a project. Again I said we should reschedule, but then he said he had all the information he needed. I expressed concern about him getting behind the wheel of his truck while he was so drowsy. I offered him a cold drink and told him he could sit for 10-15 minutes until he felt more alert, but he declined and left. I never heard back from him with an estimate.
While I appreciate that my friend wanted to spend time with me and that the contractor was working hard, what would Miss Manners say in these awkward situations?
Frankly, it’s just getting started to wonder what’s in your water.
You can’t force other adults to rest, but your following up and finding out if they got home safely would be kind. As a reminder to sleep more before the next time they come.
Miss Manners’ new columns are published Monday through Saturday washingtonpost.com/advice. You can submit questions to Miss Manners on her website, missmanners.com. You can also follow her @RealMissManners.
