Ask Laskas: Should I Risk My Marriage? (page 2 of 2)

-- Partnerless

Dear Partnerless,

Sweetheart, this is not your wedding. The bride and groom get to plan the party. And if she's fine with Daddy playing Ringo for a day, don't get in the way! Tap your foot, and applaud their special connection!

Question
Because he's done well in business, my brother-in-law is quick to pick up the tab. Whether we're dining out or renting a beachfront home, he won't take our money. I appreciate his generosity, but c'mon, we can afford to pay our own way. How do we tell him "Enough is enough" without hurting his feelings?

-- Uncomfortable

Dear Uncomfortable,

Too much giving? What a wonderful reason for family strife! You do your brother-in-law a disservice by attributing his generosity to his business success; maybe he just enjoys sharing with his loved ones. Maybe the rest of you do too. Next time you go out to dinner, outwit Mr. Generous: Arrange with the restaurant manager in advance to put the tab on your credit card.

Question
I would like to know when it became acceptable to bring dogs into grocery stores. Seeing Eye dogs? Okay. But schnauzers? At the market the other day, I watched as a woman leaned over the produce, oblivious to the fact that her dog was licking the cucumbers. Why don't people leave their dogs at home like I do?

-- Pet Peeved

Dear Peeved,

Something is going on when it comes to pets and public places, and as the biggest dog lover in the world, I want to put out a plea to pet owners: Even though your dog is in every way a member of your family, please remember that a dog is still a dog. Be considerate. People first, people!

Life's Little Etiquette Conundrums

 You invite guests over for dinner with explicit instructions not to bring anything. Nada. Not a crumb. You then spend half a day making a crème brûlée. When your guests arrive, they come bearing a gift: a gorgeous tart from the local gourmet store, one-upping your effort. What gets served?

Both, I'm afraid. It's rude of your guests, but now they're your guests, so the burden is on you to not spoil everyone's appetite with a competition over whose drop-dead amazing dessert gets center stage. Serve two, and enjoy the company.

From Reader's Digest - December 2008

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