Got Etiquette Advice?

  How do I respond to the rude behavior of one asking for gifts? Dear Polite One,  As an unmarried adult with no children, I don't particularly like giving holiday gifts to all my cousin's children. I do so out of appearance’s sake.  This year I decided to only give to those under the age of 12, which left two children out at the family holiday party.  I did feel odd about it, as all the other adults gave to all the children. The parent, one of my cousins, called to ask if the gifts were misplaced.  I was flabbergasted! How do I respond to this rude behavior ?  Reluctant Giver Dear Reluctant Giver,  Because gift-giving is optional, it is your choice to give or not.  Nevertheless, you have been giving gifts to all the children up until now.  Excluding the older ones without speaking to the family first probably caused hurt feelings.  All of this was probably noticed by all at the party.  It could have humiliated t...

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 pol...