Advice from Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin.
What is the proper response when a casual acquaintance tells you that they have been diagnosed with a very serious illness?
My reply, as I was rushing to a dental appointment, was, “I’m sorry to hear that. Hope things work out for you.”Nothing. That’s about it for a casual acquaintance. Many people seem to be unable to stop speaking, however, and there are many things you shouldn’t say:ADVERTISEMENT“I guess we all have to go sometime.”And so on. The point is to offer sympathy -- because unfortunately, you have nothing else to offer.
She actually hopes to get the neighborhood association to ban outsiders that night. At the very least, she will ask each child’s parents to prove they live in the neighborhood.
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