The article features a series of queries addressed to Miss Manners about etiquette. The first query concerns handling unsolicited solicitors in an upscale office building where soliciting is prohibited. Miss Manners advises politely enforcing the rule instead of feeling guilty about it. The second query is about navigating personal conversations, suggesting that attentive listening is important. Miss Manners emphasizes that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach and that listening carefully can help prevent misunderstandings or discomfort when discussing personal subjects.
"One can enforce a building rule rudely and one can enforce it politely, but you appear to be asking if the rule itself is rude."
"The rule itself strikes Miss Manners as innocuous. More importantly, it is not within your authority to change."
"There is no one-size-fits-all answer to such a question except to say: When in doubt, attentive listening is usually the least likely to get one in trouble."
"You can then pick up a phone, leaving them to guess whether this is to inform someone of their presence or merely to go about your own business."
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