A person born shortly after New Year's Day expresses frustration over friends and family often combining their birthday celebrations with New Year's festivities, feeling overlooked despite being taught to accept the situation graciously.
The article emphasizes the importance of keeping your phone face down when not in use to save battery, show attentiveness in social settings, reduce digital distraction, and minimize the phone's intrusive presence in daily life, ultimately promoting better human connection and mindfulness.
A bachelor seeks advice after complimenting a woman on her appearance for her 60th birthday, only to receive a pointed response questioning his assumption of what 60 is supposed to look like. The columnist advises against commenting on someone's looks unless invited to do so and suggests that such a compliment might be better received on the day of her 90th birthday.
A bride criticized her wedding guests for not being generous enough with their gifts, claiming they didn't cover the cost of their $200 per head plate. She expressed disappointment in her guests' gifts and received backlash for her entitled attitude. Many people argued that it is unreasonable to expect lavish gifts and that the cost of the wedding should be the responsibility of the hosts, not the guests.
A woman is frustrated with her progressive dinner group as some couples want to invite new couples who don't live in the area, causing tension and arguments. Amy suggests being more open to including new people and allowing them to contribute to the meal. In another letter, a friend is exhausted by another friend's lack of coping skills and dramatic behavior. Amy advises expressing concern and suggesting professional help. Lastly, Amy acknowledges the toxicity of Facebook and the need to set boundaries when it comes to online rants and rumors.
Actress and comedian Michaela Watkins stars in the latest film from director Nicole Holofcener, You Hurt My Feelings, alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The film explores the dynamics of telling the truth to loved ones. Watkins shares her thoughts on social etiquette, including her dislike of gossip, her honesty to a fault, and her belief in reading the news and being politically aware.
A reader asks Miss Manners if she should write thank-you notes for unsolicited gifts her mother's friends give to her children. Miss Manners suggests that the gifts are meant for the grandmother to give to the grandchild, and if the reader wants the presents to stop, she should stop writing thank-you notes. However, if the reader wants to continue receiving gifts, she should write thank-you notes. Miss Manners also notes that the children will be old enough to write the letters themselves in a couple of years.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy criticized the self-checkout tipping trend, claiming that he is "deathly afraid" of being labeled a "cheapskate" for not leaving a tip. The new feature prompts consumers with a tipping questionnaire at the end of a self-checkout purchase, despite facing minimal to no interaction with any employee. Portnoy also spoke out against people who talk on speakerphone in public, calling it a societal "violation."