DEAR MISS MANERS: I received a chilling email from an administrator at the art institution where I teach, berating me for not responding to an invitation to an event.
I actually tried to reply, but the language and mechanics of the reply form were so confusing that it wasn’t actually possible to decline (which I needed to do). The administrator noted that faculty were asked to indicate whether they wished to “request confirmation of attendance,” by which he meant “a free ticket.”
While I know correcting the use of a foreign language can be annoying, I’m sure my adoring Miss Manners can deftly thread that needle.
GENTLE READER: While she appreciates the adoration and regrets the incoherent instructions you have received, Miss Manners feels compelled to point out that of all the possible answers you suggest, you have omitted the obvious one: an apology.
They asked you to wait – or at least told them if you weren’t available – and you didn’t. They were making it difficult and vague, but you knew what they meant.
(Send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or by mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
COPYRIGHT 2025 JUDITH MARTIN
DISTRIBUTED BY ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500
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