Please respect your manners: I sent a dinner invitation to my in-laws. My brother-in-law called my husband to confirm his attendance. She added that she will be bringing her boyfriend, who was just released from the hospital a few days ago after undergoing a major organ transplant surgery, and will need to prepare certain meals.
I decided to cancel the dinner and told my husband that it was rude and that the host had every right to be bothered. People who are sensitive enough to require special treatment should stay at home.
My husband says I'm too sensitive and should ignore the request. What do you think, Manners?
Dear reader: Why would someone need to check on their boyfriend who just had a major organ transplant?!
Manners sympathizes with the rampant abuse of hosts who invite extra people or dictate menus. But she won't cancel the dinner. It's not for legitimate reasons like bringing a trusted partner or asking him to match his post-hospital diet.
You are not only overly sensitive, you are actively desensitized. But you may be relieved to know that your husband's idea of ignoring your (presumably) medically necessary dietary requests may actually be something much worse.
Please direct any questions to Miss Manners. missmanners.comby email to [email protected]or by mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
