Dear lady manners: Source of self -service machines in pizza rooms and delicatessen have the different sugary soft drinks labeled with large buttons, while there are often “water” and “soft drinks” buttons below.
I have always believed that aerated water dispensed by the “Soda” button is still alone, which means that I can fill a cup for free. After all, it is not in the purchase menu. Is my assumption correct?
My partner says this is stealing and I need to pay it.
Once I asked him in the registry to confirm that this was fine, and the young man said “clear.” But at lunch at a different restaurant, I said that I was going to get some refreshment and my partner said: “It’s fine, if you want to steal it,” just in front of the owner, who walked next to our table.
I do not identify as a thief, and I felt hurt.
Is there something that is overlooking? Should I ask every time at each restaurant? Or my assumption is okay or not, the water is still water? I recognize that the sodas button uses a small amount of the aeration cartridge shared by the other drinks.
I am happy to change my practice and ask every time, but now I am irritated with my partner and digging in my heels. Please weigh.
Soft reader: The argument that most forces Miss Manners is that soft drinks is not in the menu. Is this true for each establishment? That would be the question to ask: “Can I have a cup for soft drinks, or is it something I can buy?”
Then, you have a complete permission to give a conceited and satisfied smile to your partner when the answer is in your favor in your favor. Whenever you follow it because dinner with some who have been calling you thief.
Dear lady manners: I was born as a natural redhead. But as the years, my hair color vanished, and now I need additional help from my aestheticist to keep my red hair.
All my life, strangers have asked me, quite frequently, if red is my natural color. Now, I feel inclined to explain that it was, but that currently red. However, that feels uncomfortable and unnecessary.
What would you suggest what do you say when Oneone gives me this very direct question?
Soft reader: “My hair is naturally ed.” This is not only technically true, but more important, succinct.
We do not do anyone, much less impertinent strange, and in fact it is impertinent to ask someone such a private question, a detailed confessional.
Miss Manners will leave you for you to feel forced to disseminate the whole truth to your friends, but she hopes that your friends will be too educated to ask. Or you know the answer.
Send your questions to Miss Manners on the website, www.missmanners.com; To your email, gentleraader@msmanners.com; Or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndionction, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
