Advice from ConductMom
A reader sends in this idea for the holiday season:
What about this for the holidays? I have a friend that always gave me gifts that were either "silly" or not appropriate to my lifestyle (for any holiday, not just Christmas). Before Christmas many years ago, I suggested that a friend of mine and I exchange Christmas (costume) jewelry and she liked the idea, so that tradition began for us and worked beautifully. One could use this mode of gift exchange with plates (I myself collect them) or a particular brand of cosmetics or hand cleanser, etc. This idea can be time-saving, mind-saving, and will guarantee that the recipient will be pleased with their gift. AND you can spend as little or as much as you both can afford.
The reader is my mother, and she sent the e-mail in to the "Miss Conduct" e-mail address, not my personal one. I mentioned this to my editor Susanne (plucked me from obscurity, Malcolm McLaren to my Sid Vicious, etc.), who commented, "She uses the formal channels instead of her inside connection? Your mother is so restrained!"
Both Susanne and my mother know I respect them, and thus I trust they will not be offended if I say this in response:
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.
Seriously, Mom, good advice. Y'all lissen up to my ma, now, you hear?
Who is Miss Conduct?
Robin Abrahams writes the weekly "Miss Conduct" column for The Boston Globe Magazine. Robin, who has a PhD in psychology from Boston University, has worked as a theater publicist, organizational-change communications manager, editor, stand-up comedian, and professor of psychology and English. She lives in Cambridge with her husband, Marc Abrahams, founder of the Ig Nobel Prizes, which are given annually for achievements that first make people laugh and then make them think.
