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Robin Abrahams writes the weekly "Miss Conduct"
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Robin Abrahams also gives talks on a range of topics relating to social behavior, including etiquette, diversity, social anxiety, religion, and storytelling. Bring Miss Conduct's humor and common sense to your next meeting. For details, e-mail missconduct@globe.com.
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Nosy kidsBy Robin Abrahams
09:27 AM
Mr. Improbable and I returned from Italy last night where we had a wonderful time. More thoughts on that trip, including how I got chimp-hugged by Jane Goodall, later. In the meantime I wanted to share some terrific letters in response to Sunday's column about nosy kids. One reader writes: [T]he most effective defense is known to all New Yorkers. Answer a question with a question. I am reminded of the dialogue that I had recently with a waitress at a New York deli as I attempted to order dessert:Another, who signs herself "A Grandmother from Winthrop," has this excellent and amusing advice: Re: questions that an adult may find too personal. It helps to turn the question back to the child: "What do you think is a good number of children to have?" or to answer in the silly extreme, thereby not answering with any info you don't wish to give. "I've been to the moon and back. Have you ever been there?" Children are learning to be social and their parents assume you're smart enough to only answer/give out what you want!Finally, another reader shared a terrific and very appropriate comic strip with me: Regarding asking kids personal questions you'd never ask an adult, I thought you'd like this. (For the record, I definitely believe in respecting kids' privacy when you're not their parent.) It's the second cartoon down. Here's the text minus the pictures, if you insist: I would also add "Calvin & Hobbes" to that list. Thanks to all who wrote! |
