Skip to main content

How to Handle Three Everyday Manners Problems

Everyday manners, etiquette, relationship issues

How to Politely Inform Others That They’ve Mispronounced My Name?

Dear Polite One, 

My name is difficult for many to pronounce, which makes it awkward when others are always mispronouncing it.  What is the politest way to tell someone that they are mispronouncing your name?

What's in a Name?

Dear What's in a Name?

The politest way to inform someone that he/she is mispronouncing your name is to do so right away. Perhaps, "I'm sorry, but my name is a bit difficult to pronounce; it is..."  You could use this method in all situations.  

Best,

The Polite One

How to tell him to put the toilet seat down?

Dear Polite One, 

I keep telling my husband that it is polite for a man to put the toilet seat down, but he says that I should put it up for him.  I’ve discussed this with other women and men, and they all agree that it is impolite and inconsiderate to leave the seat up.  How can I make him understand that this is not polite?

Thank you! 

Tired of falling in the toilet in the middle of the night!

Dear Tired of falling in the toilet in the middle of the night,

Ah, the old toilet seat issue.  Those you spoke to are correct that treating people kindly and civilly is good manners. Leaving a toilet seat up so that you or anyone else could fall into the toilet is not kind or civil. 

Let us just consider aesthetics.  The toilet looks better with both the seat and cover down. So, logically both genders should put the cover down, which would include the seat.

And how about the fact that even he must sit at times.  Ah-ha!  Good argument.  Besides that, it’s just illogical and ill-mannered to expect you to put the seat up for him. 

Sincerely, 

The Polite One

Using Public Handicap Toilets When Not Disabled?

Dear Polite One, 

Is it all right to use the disabled toilet when there's no one in the restroom using a wheelchair? 

Thank you!

Visitor 

Dear Visitor, 

It's etiquette-ly correct to do so if no one else in need. There are so many with invisible disabilities and aliments who may need to use the toilet right away—no bladder control.  So, who are we to judge who has a disability or not?  However, the stalls are designed specifically to accommodate wheelchairs.    

Sincerely, 

The Polite One

Similar Posts

How to Deal With Sticky Family Issues

How to Meddle

How should I handle my clumsy mistake?


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What is California Cocktail Attire?

Dear Polite One , What is California cocktail attire? Thank you, Confused Dear Confused , There is no such thing.   At times, it feels as if hosts just like to make these things up to confuse their guests.   I’m sure that’s not the case.   Still...      Many hosts try to create a “feeling,” or more appropriately, “set the stage” for an event.   So, they will incorporate a well-known attire category with a word that describes that elusive stage.   This leads to the confusion we both feel since neither of us can actually see inside their minds.   So, I suggest going with slightly laid-back cocktail attire, which typically is the suit for men and the little black dress or its equivalent for women.    Perhaps skip the tie and accessories that appear expensive.   Additionally, it is appropriate to call the host and ask for clarification.   Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode a Dress Code Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove

How to address a divorced woman? Mrs or Ms?

  Dear Polite One, Should I use "Mrs." or "Ms." when sending correspondence to a divorced woman? Wondering from Kansas Dear Wondering from Kansas, Both Mrs. and Ms. are proper when addressing a letter to a divorced woman. If you choose to use Mrs., you will use her first name and last name: Mrs. Jane Brown. However, Ms. is the most common title for women these days, because marital status does not define any of us. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Too late to send an invitation to Bat Mitzvah? How to reschedule a retirement party? Mother-in-law added names to the guest list!

3 Most Asked Questions About Listing Doctors on Envelopes

  How to List Doctors on Invitation Envelope? Dear Polite One , How does one address an envelope for the two following scenarios? 1) The wife is a physician, but the husband is not. 2) Both the wife and husband are physicians, and she used her maiden name. Lots of Doctors Dear Lots of Doctors, The doctor and husband: Doctor Jane and Mr. John Smith The doctor couple: Doctor Jane Jones Doctor John Smith Most sincerely, The Polite One What is the Proper Salutation for Doctor Couple? Dear Polite One , How do you write the correct salutation when both the husband and wife are doctors? Doctors All-Around Dear Doctors All-Around, If you are close friends, you would use their first names.  If this is a formal or business letter, you would use the title doctor for both: Doctors Smith, Doctor Sam Smith, and Doctor Tina Smith, or Doctors Tina and Sam Smith.  Most sincerely, The Polite One Don’t Know Husband’s Name and the Wife is a Doctor!   How to