#social-boundaries

#social-boundaries

I walked away and continued my shopping. A few minutes later, the store manager stopped by to tell me that disrespecting children was against store policy and would not be tolerated. She referred me to the company website, but of course, I could find no such policy statement. Why must members of the public be disrespected by unruly, misbehaving, noisy children, who are then defended by adults who should know better?

I got married at an early age, but the marital bliss was short-lived as my wife died a few years later. That was 20 years ago, and I have since built a new, happy life for myself. In this new life, I have never had any desire to embark on another long-term relationship, let alone remarry. I enjoy being on my own, although I consider myself to be quite sociable. I have a group of good friends, who provide excellent company whenever I want it.

It bothers you, Miss Manners is guessing, because these outings are a chance for the neighborhood ladies to bond and connect. If members of the group are going to invite just anyone, who will be next? Husbands? Dates?! Of course, as these intruders happen to be pleasant and engaging, you could look at this as an opportunity to make new friends. Or you could be miffed because what you really want to do is gossip about the new mail person and exchange neighborhood secrets.

I own a business, and frankly I hate it. It consumes all of my time and energy and I'm trying to figure out a plan to get out. That said, the only thing I hate more than owning and operating my business is TALKING about the business I own and operate. And yet, in any social gathering, people inevitably ask me about how it's going. And no matter how many times I deflect or redirect, inevitably, at the next social gathering, people ask me about it.