Letter writer doesn’t like when people say, “Have a good one,” because it doesn’t mean anything.
What does that even mean? Have a good what? Do I get to remove the word “one” and fill it in myself with “day,” “night,” “holiday,” “vacation” …?
Where did this saying come from? Why can’t people use more words and be intentional about what they say? I think it is an odd saying, and a lazy one, but I don’t ever correct anyone who says it to me. I just reply with something like, “Have a good day!”cannot be more intentional because they do not know your plans. And Miss Manners feels certain that you would prefer this brief comment to a lengthy conversation so they can find out.My friend and I traveled out of town to attend an event.
Considering that we were not on a strict deadline and it was only three minutes past, I was surprised and upset that she felt the need to call me and inquire about my whereabouts. I felt a bit like a child being chastised by her mother. Was she out of line? Was I?Perhaps I should have sent her a quick message to let her know I would be there shortly, but since I was driving, I did not feel compelled to do so.
Miss Manners suggests gentle teasing over admonishment or deeply rooted resentment: “A little worried about punctuality, are we? Next time, I’ll send my ETA, but I knew I would be there almost exactly at the proposed time. I didn’t want to bother you with an extra phone call — especially while I was driving.”New Miss Manners columns are posted Monday through Saturday on
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Miss Manners: Is the person in the window seat the sole ruler of the shade?Advice from Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin.
Read more »
| Miss Manners: Aisle seat person on plane wants control of window shadeCan the letter writer ask that the window shade stay open when they sit in the aisle seat?
Read more »
| Dressing down for the Senate is just bad mannersSenators should no more come to the chamber wearing a jogging suit than they should wear a tuxedo to play tennis.
Read more »
Miss Manners: She claimed she was just kidding. How do I express my displeasure?Plus: Is it OK to ignore someone who asks to introduce their dog to mine?
Read more »
Miss Manners: If I’m in the aisle seat, do I have any say over the window blind?Plus: I’m hurt by these not-insults about my appearance.
Read more »