Advice from Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin.
Published: 7 hours ago: Over the years, I have noticed that at most live performances — from professional concerts and operas to dance recitals and school plays — the audience automatically gives a standing ovation at the end.
I grew up believing that a standing ovation was an expression of appreciation for a truly extraordinary performance — a performance at which the audience was so deeply moved that they couldn’t stay seated. Now when I attend performances and I am satisfied or pleased, but not overcome with emotion, I feel churlish for staying seated when everyone else is standing and yelling “bravo” or “brava.” What is the etiquette for appreciating live performances these days? Should I give in to peer pressure and stand, even if my opinion of the performance is “meh”?But Miss Manners also knows that sometimes one has no choice, if one wants to see the curtain call. In that case, the enthusiasm with which one applauds may be emphatically lessened.My two daughters are beautiful and talented women. They work hard and usually make me proud -- except on their birthdays. For the past several years, on their respective birthdays, they each put up links on social media to their money apps and ask people to send them birthday “gifts.” I find it in poor taste, and it embarrasses me.: Normal? Yes. Acceptable? No.As their parent, you have the obligation, in Miss Manners’ opinion, to tell them that you find this embarrassing. When they inevitably plead that “everyone does it,” you maintain that that argument did not hold water when they were 11, and it does not now. If you do not get ahead of this, they will go on to do far worse for other milestones where this kind of begging is considered even more “normal.” And as a possible host or co-host of these events, your own involvement is more direct -- and therefore even more embarrassing.: We have a small half-bathroom downstairs that is mainly used by guests. As a courtesy, I usually have period products readily available to visitors. For larger gatherings, I’ve had them in plain sight of anyone using the restroom, but normally they’re stowed under the sink. How should I store these sensitive items to be available to guests? Should I assume people will do a quick search under the sink if they’re in a pinch, or is it best to just have them out?: Is there a pretty, opaque container that you can put them in on a shelf? Putting them out in the open is a bit unseemly, and under-the-sink snooping is not something Miss Manners necessarily wants to encourage. You never know what can get thrown in there when one is cleaning up quickly for guests.Miss Manners, written by Judith Martin and her two perfect children, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Marin, has chronicled the continuous rise and fall of American manners since 1978. Send your questions to dearmissmanners@gmail.com.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Miss Manners: I’ve been told to banish these guests from the main tablePlus: Rustic would be one description. Cramped and stinky is another.
Read more »
Miss Manners: My friends ignore my invitations, then show up anywayIn today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to a host seeks advice on handling friends who arrive without RSVPing.
Read more »
Miss Manners: They didn’t reply to my dinner invitation but showed up anywayThese are friends of mine, and I do want to entertain them, but I’m afraid I’ll be limiting them to barbecues in the future.
Read more »
Dear Miss Manners: Standing ovations seem to be getting out of hand'No, you do not need to stand for a 'meh' performance,' Miss Manners says.
Read more »
Miss Manners: I’m proud of my daughters except during their public money grabPlus: Should I just put these bathroom supplies out where all the guests can see them?
Read more »
Miss Manners: Must I give a standing ovation for a ‘meh’ performance?In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to whether a reader should give a standing ovation for a mediocre performance.
Read more »