How to handle impolite friends?

What is friend etiquette?

Hello Polite One,

Have two friends who fight because one is jealous of the other. Both put me in the middle because I'm friends with both of them. It's frustrating! I still want to be friends with both, but I'm tired of the fighting. Neither is right, but neither is wrong. It's just wrong to want me to fix their problems. What is the friend etiquette here? And how to deal with my friends?

Pulled Apart by Friends

Dear Pulled Apart by Friends,

It may be best to change the rules all of you have been playing by in the past. There is nothing wrong with telling them not to put you in the middle. Inform both that you want to be friends with each of them, but that you don't want to hear anything negative about the other. Be firm that you won't take sides. This way you can be friends with both and not be viewed as taking sides.

Regards,

The Polite One

She Hurts My Feelings!

Dear Polite One,

My best friend and I enjoy the same things and, for the most part, we get along just fine. But occasionally, she'll say something like, "My friend Jessie and I had so much fun at my sleepover last night" which makes me jealous and hurts my feelings. I'm left wondering why I wasn't invited and if she is closer to "Jessie" than to me. I don't like feeling like this. How should I handle my impolite friend?

Jealous

Dear Jealous,

I would imagine that your friend doesn’t know she is being impolite. Perhaps she likes having a few close friends and doesn't think of any more important than another. After all, you say that you two get along “just fine” and enjoy doing the same things. So, she does like you. I would suggest continuing doing what you are doing and hopefully, your friendship will grow stronger. Be there for her when she needs someone to talk to. Try to remember what is important to her, like her birthday and her parent's anniversary (if she discusses it).

Sincerely,

The Polite One

Similar Posts

How to Deal with Bullies

How to deal with abusive family members.

Beware Sharing Too Much & Hurting Others on Social Networking Sites

Comments

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!

Do I remove the gloves when eating?

Dear Polite One, I'm attending a very formal ball and dinner is included. I will be wearing long gloves with my long formal gown. Do I remove the gloves when eating? Glove Etiquette Dear Glove Etiquette, It is proper glove etiquette to remove gloves before the meal begins and lay them across your lap. Fold your napkin in half and lay it on top of your gloves. After leaving the table, and before the dance, put them back on. Before dancing, remove them again. Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One What Jewelry to Wear to a Formal Navy Ball? What to wear for a formal ball in New York? Appropriate Dinner and Dancing Charity Event Attire?

How to address an envelope to a married woman who kept her maiden name?

Dear Polite One, With so many females keeping their maiden names after marrying, how I address correspondences to them? Confused Dear Confused, Many times, women keep their maiden names to retain career identity. This is her name no matter what her marital status is. So, if the correspondence is primarily to her, list it like the following. Ms. Jane Brown Mr. John Smith If listed on the same line, add an "and." Ms. Jane Brown and Mr. John Smith If you don't know her husband's name, you could use this example. Ms. Jane Brown and family. If the correspondence is primarily to her husband , list his name first. Mr. John Smith Ms. Jane Brown However, if this is a social correspondence and one is a doctor or holds a title (officer or similar), this person would be listed first. General John Smith and Ms/Mrs. Jane Brown. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Correspondence: Dr and Hubby, Grieving Brother-In-...

Got Etiquette Advice?

Search This Blog