The article provides guidance from Miss Manners on handling negative remarks about children and spouses. For comments like "You have your hands full," the suggested response is a polite "Oh, thank you," which discourages further negativity. Regarding friendship changes, Miss Manners acknowledges that long-term friendships often evolve; not receiving casual invitations doesn't imply the end of a friendship. Instead, the observer is encouraged to appreciate the continuing ties through family gatherings, indicating the friendship's ongoing nature despite shifts in dynamics.
In both cases: Oh, thank you. Miss Manners promises that no one will dare explain that their comment was not intended as a compliment.
But you are still friends, or you would not be invited to family occasions. The fact is that many friendships do change in intensity over the years.
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