Every time I hear a journalist say "Tell me about ..." when interviewing someone on television, I get really annoyed. It seems so incredibly presumptuous, pompous and impolite to demand an answer of a guest like that. Yet it happens all over the world. Is this standard journalistic practice? What's the reasoning behind it? Anyone else feel the same way or am I being a relic? [more inside]
posted on May 9, 2008 - 38 answers

What is the first question people ask when you tell them what you do? Are there common misconceptions or generalizations that people make? How do you tactfully and/or humorously correct them? [more inside]
posted on Apr 28, 2008 - 151 answers

My Fair ... Gentleman? Please give me a crash course on being a gentleman for a date with a lady. [more inside]
posted on Oct 16, 2007 - 59 answers

ModernDayEtiquetteFilter: What is the general consensus on returning calls (received on one's mobile phone) based on a missed call log vs. leaving a message? [more inside]
posted on Aug 30, 2007 - 56 answers

Who said, "Humor is the politeness of despair?" [more inside]
posted on Jun 3, 2007 - 3 answers

Is it annoying, distracting, or offensive to a deaf person who is using an interpreter to interact with hearing people who gesticulate a lot and have very expressive facial or body movements? [more inside]
posted on Feb 21, 2007 - 7 answers

What should I say/do to be polite about someone's baby? [more inside]
posted on Feb 9, 2007 - 44 answers

Is it crass for a man to tighten his belt in public? [more inside]
posted on Feb 5, 2007 - 44 answers

How to tell a family friend that I don't want his help finding me a job in his line of work? [more inside]
posted on Aug 23, 2006 - 15 answers

How should I speak when someone brings their kids into a coarse-language-OK area? [more inside]
posted on Nov 18, 2005 - 48 answers

In (some) languages, why is the conditional so frequently related to politeness? [more inside]
posted on Sep 27, 2005 - 25 answers

Is it considered misogynous to use "the C-word" ? It had never even occured to me that it might be until my sister asked that I never use it as it was "so anti-women." At the right moment, it's SUCH a useful word, but I don't want to appear to be "anti-women", since I'm not . Is my sister's view unusual?
posted on Jan 17, 2005 - 112 answers

My best friend, who lives about 300 miles away from me, and I had made plans to get together for Christmas, along with our other best friend, for whom I paid 600 bucks to fly out here so we all could be together. Now 300-mile away best friend has e-mailed me with a weak excuse and cancelled his visit here. I know he's not adjusting well to his new home, and seems to be isolating himself from everyone, including me. I'm hurt and angry. How best to address this situation?
posted on Dec 19, 2004 - 7 answers

What do you say or do when someone out of the Blue - generally a fellow user who rarely comments and so is quite new to you - suddenly e-mails for the first time saying he or she will be in town, is interested in something you could help with and would like to have a drink with you?

It's clearly a friendly invitation but how do you politely decline, without having to lie and/or appearing to be a stuffed shirt?
posted on Oct 21, 2004 - 45 answers

Dealing with parents: How to say 'no'? They want to make an extended visit beyond anything we find reasonable. More behind the door...
posted on May 20, 2004 - 15 answers

i want to be polite. Is there an alternative honorific to Miss and Ma'am which is age indiscriminate?
posted on Feb 10, 2004 - 17 answers