<—— ee 38 - Sunday, April 8, 1990 - North Shore News LIFESTYLES ‘Excuse me’ courtesy needs no response DEAR MISS MANNERS — What, if anything, do you say after a person burps and then says, ‘‘Excuse me?’’ I always feel awkward. Should [ say, ‘‘Hey ne problem,”’ ‘‘Any time,” **You're forgiven?” Or should I just sot say anything at all? I would rather say something. | GENTLE READER — You seem seriously to have misinter- preted the depth of that brief form, ‘‘Excuse me,’’ which cour- miss manners Judith Martin teously acknowledges a multitude of minor infractions. (But Miss Manners graciously forgives you. Any time.) “Excuse me”’ is not shorthand for “Good heavens, what have I done — will you ever forgive me?"’ A closer colloquial equivalent would be ‘“Whoops.’’ No reply is appropriate. DEAR MISS MANNERS — There was an early-morning pono- ding on our door, accompanied by the bell. When I looked out, there Lamb Shade Introducing a new collection of children's lamps incorporating ducks, lambs, bears, geese and clocks. A great Easter Gift. Now 25% off sk A Westburne Company. 845 Terminal Ave Vancouver Call: 685-0220 was a woman I had never seen. Knowing there were no deliveries, repairmen, etc., expected, I chase not to answer. (We have repeatedly been annoyed by religious groups.) She kept it up for about five minutes before leaving, and guess what? She came back at about 2 p.m. with the same routine. When I answered, it turned out that she wanted to leave some merchandise for my husband’s business, as it was ‘‘inconvenient’’ for her to go to the business location. We work very hard and keep the business open nine hours a day, six days a week. We have precious lit- Ue time alone or together, and we must guard it. How can we discourage people who don’t know any better or who don’t care? GENTLE READER ~— Most people nowadays can’t tell their homes from their offices. They figure that the office is the place to give one another birthday parties, and the home is where they should try to ingratiate themselves with those who are useful to their business. Miss Manners admires you for refusing to share this confusion. You will be much happier for nur- turing a truly private life; for one thing, it will be there when you retire. As for your caller, Miss Man- ners understands how difficult it is to refuse to answer a ringing doorbell, and is amazed you managed it even once. But being cornered is no reason to allow someone to dump merchandise in your house. ‘‘Oh, dear, we just can’t take that here’’ is all the ex- planation you need offer, if you are firm about it. ‘‘It goes to the business address. I’m sorry you were inconvenienced by the mistake.’’ DEAR MISS MANNERS — [I was maid of honor for my sister 40 years ago, when she was married. After the ceremony, I kissed her before her husband had a chance. After a gasp from his sisters stand- ing nearby, I realized how hasty I had been. I knew very well the first kiss should be from the mate. After all this time, F still feel guilty, although no one has ever said anything to me about it. Should I have apologized? GENTLE READER — Forty years of guilt seems to Miss Man- ners to be rather a large load for one impulsive gesture. Who's afraid of the Big Bad Crow? Mortgage rates become less important as the size of the mortgage decreases. Example: $150,000 down on a nice home in Deep Cove will leave you with a payment of over $100C/month. $150,000 down on a nice home in Valleycliffe will leave you debt-free and with something leit over for a world tour. Paid advertising by The friend of Squamish ni 0 How to get Soup, . Hot Pasta, ‘lostadas, Fresh ~ Fruit and Salad Choose our Salad Bar and you will enjoy endless choices. Like hot pasta with gourmet sauces. Spicy beef and bean tostadas. Savory hot soups. And fresh fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe and ipe avocados. It’s Sizzler’s way giving you All-You-Can-Eat. As well as all you could want. Denture Services e Free consultations e New dentures e Relines in one day e Repairs within 3 hours e Soft liners available * Dental plans accepted All services performed by fully qualified North Shore denturists and licensed by the Province of British Columbia Ee a ee aS A. Adolfsen P Barker LE. Lewis #500-145 W17th 231 Lonsdale #301-1124 Lonsdale NVancouver NVancouver NvVancouver Ph. 987-4747 Ph 986-8515 Ph 987-1944 V. Thorburn #208-1331 Marine Dr. WvVancouver Ph 922-3309 M. Nenadic #205-1420 Marine Dr. NVancouver Ph 986-5668 Sizzler A fresh experience. D tS All-You-Can-Eat Salad Bar Open tlam © Licensed © 20% Seniors Discount All Day Tuesday Westview Shopping Centre, Upper Levels Highway at Westview Drive, North Vancouver Offer valid to April 22, 1990. © Salad Bar items may vary by season.