A longtime volunteer coach hosts an end-of-season barbecue for players and parents that includes awards and moderate adult drinking. One parent emailed asking that adult beverages be omitted because it is a party for the kids. The recommended response is for the host to call the concerned parent, acknowledge the fear, and assure them that children will have no access to alcohol and any adult misbehavior will be addressed immediately, rather than acceding to a unilateral ban. A separate matter describes a travel timeshare that subjects guests to aggressive upselling and manipulative sales tactics at check-in.
Although I may face some opposition, I am wondering if we could do without the adult beverages. I know, I know, but it is a party for the kids. Please don't be upset; just a friendly suggestion.
GENTLE READER: While criticizing the host's arrangements is not generally accepted guest behavior, the topic raised, the larger circumstances and the apologetic way in which the parent raised the issue require a substantive response. That does not necessarily mean doing what this parent has asked contrary, apparently, to the desires of everyone else in the group but it does mean respectfully addressing the fear that motivated the request. The host can do this by calling the parent and assuring them that the kids will have no access to the alcohol, and that in the unlikely event a parent misbehaves, it will be dealt with immediately.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My wife and I joined a travel timeshare that we both love. The only thing we hate is how they try to upsell you. After check-in, you are required to go to the concierge desk to get your armband or parking pass. Once there, the hard sell starts; they try to bribe, encourage or beg you to attend a sales meeting. (They call them updates, but it is always a sales meeting.) Once there, the sales staff lie and manipulate the math on your fe
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