Got Etiquette Advice?

What to do about an intrusive neighbor boy? Dear Polite One,  I have always taught my 5-year-old son to never invite himself to anyone’s home. However, our neighbor boy is exactly the opposite.  He always invites himself to our home at all hours no matter who else is visiting.  The mother is no better, as she calls asking to send him over.  How do I convey that this is rude behavior?  I don’t want to tell her that she has no parenting skills. What is proper neighbor etiquette ?   Frustrated Mom Dear Frustrated Mom,  Bravo on your parenting skills and preparing your son for a well-mannered future.  I agree that it is 'rude' to invite oneself to someone else's home.  Since it is also impolite to correct other’s manners, you may have to teach your neighbor through your actions.  You could politely tell the boy that it is best for him to wait for an invite, as your schedule changes from time to time, and your son wouldn’t kno...

Sometimes it is difficult to recognize the difference between assertiveness and impolite behavior.   Many people allow themselves to be brow-beaten or taking advantage of because they feel that it would be impolite to say anything that could be interpreted as negative.   But it is completely appropriate to inform others how you want to be treated.   This is polite and proper.   Plus, if we are miserable, others around us feel it and that isn’t fair to those with whom we are close.    So, please politely stand your ground knowing that it is proper to do so. Abusive Neighbor Child Dear Polite One,  We recently moved to a new neighborhood. Where we used to live, play dates were generally arranged by the parents contacting each other to set up something mutually convenient, and they would usually accompany the kids and visit with the other parents while the children played. However, in our new neighborhood, kids drop by to play without calling fi...