Tag Archives: family

“Jaw With John” – It’s Seafood, Not See Food

My husband and I just hosted another family meal and, once again, I am dismayed by the complete lack of basic manners and courtesy from various adult family members.

No one says please or thank you. Many of them chew with their mouths open and talk with their mouths full. They are all older than 40. I can’t think of any polite way to make them aware of their rudeness, but I am sick of it. Any suggestions? — Grossed Out

Dear Grossed:

Suggestion: Don’t eat with them again. What you described is disgusting and … well, just plain disgusting. There is no delicate way to say to an adult that their eating habits are that on an infant. They won’t take kindly to your comment, no matter how you tell them. Perhaps this family is just a “Meet For Drinks” family. That way you’ll never have to see them behave poorly again. Unless they’re slurpers…

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“Jaw With John” – Auntie’s Offspring Have Been Busy

At 88 years of age, I am the last remaining child of a family of nine children. My health is fair, and my income is sufficient.

My problem is that I have 35 nieces and nephews (all in another state) who are starting to marry. They are kindly extending invitations to me. I have sent a financial gift to four weddings, but if I continue at this pace I’ll be broke.

How do I stop this “graciously”? They do love their aunt. — Auntie Em, The Great

Dear Auntie:

35!? Daaaaaaaayummmmm, your family knows how to procreate. I’d suggest finding the cheapest thing on their registry and buying that OR just giving them a memento from your family. And if they just want money tell them that the way that you’re gifting money that you’ll have to move in with them at some point. That will give them a good scare and let them know that you can’t give them money anymore.

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