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domenici
Thelma Domenici
Cell phone chat is no excuse to ditch reunion
Dear Thelma: I have college-age children who by any standard are clearly addicted to their cell phones. I was recently embarrassed by my son's rudeness at an important gathering of extended family — a reunion of family members from around the country celebrating a milestone. My son's absence was keenly felt as he stood outside the restaurant window in conversation on his cell phone for the entire event. I've tried everything, and just don't know what to do anymore. What should I do? (Sunday, June 28, 2009)
Basic rules of etiquette apply when riding the train
Dear Thelma: Since I've been riding the train there is a controlled mad rush to get on it, people and bikes alike. I asked what the correct boarding etiquette was and the rider carrying his bike just shrugged his shoulders and said, “You go first.” So is there a correct way to board the train? (Sunday, June 21, 2009)
Charity begins at home — but so do manners
Dear Thelma: I get more and more requests from family, friends and acquaintances to donate to various organizations. The latest one is from a niece soliciting money to support her and her organization in a worthy cause. I'd like to support my niece, but am feeling somewhat taken advantage of. The message seems to be that I must demonstrate social solidarity by making a contribution to a cause of someone else's choosing. (Sunday, June 14, 2009)
Red flags at full staff after friends' ethical gaffe
Dear Thelma: My husband and I have a new friendship with a couple we really like, but we're a little vexed about something that happened recently and don't know how to get past it. The four of us were planning to attend a concert, and the other couple offered to purchase the tickets on their credit card with the agreement that we would pay them back for our two tickets. We promptly paid them the $200 that our tickets cost. We found out later that they'd received the set of four tickets free from a co-worker, and then turned around and charged us. (Sunday, June 07, 2009)
Don't be a boor: RSVP means 'please respond'
Dear Thelma: This is the most ill-mannered city in which I've lived. Very few people RSVP at all, and if they do, it is at the last minute. If you have to call them, you endure the "dog ate my homework" excuses, which continue the insult. One friend told me it's because everyone waits to see if something better comes up. Will you please comment on why you think this occurs, and what to do about it? (Sunday, May 31, 2009)
'Elbow bump' no substitute for a handshake
Dear Readers: I visited Washington, D.C., recently and attended a national board meeting of medical professionals. I went to introduce myself to one of the doctors in attendance and put out my hand for a handshake. He proceeded to offer me his elbow. (Sunday, May 24, 2009)
In New Mexico, tortillas can be used as utensil
Dear Thelma: Growing up in a Hispanic family in New Mexico, there were tortillas on the table as part of every meal. My favorite way to eat a meal is to scoop each bite into a piece of tortilla and then eat it. This is a tradition I have grown up with my entire life and it is the best way to eat Mexican food. Frequently I find myself wondering if this is proper etiquette in a restaurant setting, particularly when dining with business associates. (Sunday, May 17, 2009)
Rudeness needn't be standard with cell phone
Dear Thelma: I'm a working mom and I like to keep my cell phone on at all times so that if there is a problem or an emergency at school I can be reached. I don't want to be rude to clients or co-workers, but I need to attend to that phone. Do I have to settle for offending some in order to care for my kids? (Sunday, May 10, 2009)
Summer Relaxation Important Lesson for Kids
Dear Thelma: There is a social pressure out there pushing me to be sure that my kids' summer is chock-full of intellectual, cultural and athletic pursuits. We've been so busy this year I feel like doing the bare minimum, and yet friends seem appalled to find out I didn't stand in line for hours to get into the "right" summer program. What can I say to get them to stop shaking their heads at me? (Sunday, May 03, 2009)
Graduation news something to be shared
Dear Thelma: My daughter is graduating from high school this spring. A debate is raging on who should receive an announcement. Her list is very short, including only very close family and friends. I contend that an announcement is just that, an announcement of a major life milestone, and therefore, that would broaden the range of people who would be pleased to learn of the event. Which one of us is right? And, can we include a party invitation in the graduation announcement envelope? (Sunday, April 26, 2009)
Polish job interview skills to high gloss (Sunday, April 19, 2009)
Use delicate diplomacy in difficult economy (Sunday, April 12, 2009)
Don't be afraid to spend time with ill friend (Sunday, April 05, 2009)
It's the Parents' Job To Instill A Healthy Gratitude (Sunday, March 29, 2009)
Time and circumstances change friendships (Sunday, March 22, 2009)
Parents can equip kids with both gadgets, good attitudes (Sunday, March 15, 2009)
Nonprofit needs to use e-mail more effectively (Sunday, March 08, 2009)
Give — and receive — with an open heart (Sunday, March 01, 2009)
Speak up about your inability to hear in crowds (Sunday, February 22, 2009)
E-mail is fine for invitations, but keep it artful (Sunday, February 15, 2009)
Derail gift train for kids who don't say thanks? (Sunday, February 08, 2009)
We can disagree politically without being rude (Sunday, February 01, 2009)
Good manners, courtesy can heal the political divide (Sunday, January 25, 2009)
It's OK to keep Facebook list to personal contacts (Sunday, January 18, 2009)
Technology also a way for families to connect (Sunday, January 11, 2009)
