More Social Etiquette and Good Manners Answers
Question Library
Ask a question about Social Etiquette and Good Manners
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login
Awards
About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer
|
| |
|
|
| |
| | | |
About Cynthia Lett
Expertise
Proper manners with friends,family,colleagues,neighbors and everyone else you know.
Experience
I have been an etiquette expert teaching and consulting on the subject worldwide since 1983. I started and run the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals and am considered a leader in the field. I edited "Etiquette for Dummies" and have recently written "Lett's Talk - Everyday Etiquette Dilemmas and What to Do about Them".
I taught the Business Protocol class to Master's level students at the George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Chief of Protocol for MCI Telecommunications.
Organizations
International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals, ASTD, PCMA, National Speakers Association
Publications
I have been quoted over 700 times in the past 5 years worldwide. Publications include Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Washington Times, NY Times, Washington Business Journal, USA Today, Associated Press, London Times, Newsweek Japan edition, Newsweek US edition and many many more.
Education/Credentials
I am a Certified Etiquette Professional (CEP) and Certified Protocol Professional (CPP) earned by examination through ISPEP.
I have a Master's degree in hospitality law and undergrad degrees in Restaurant & Hotel Management and Public Relations/Interpersonal Communications from Purdue University.
Awards and Honors
Who's Who Worldwide,Who's Who of American Women, Distinguished Darden Professor (Purdue University).
Past/Present Clients
World Bank, United Nations,US Dept. of State, US. Dept. of the Army, Pentagon, Barclays Global Investors,Accenture,AT&T,Bank of America,American Association of Clinical Pharmacies,Ritz Carlton Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels,Starwood Hotels,and many more.
| | |
| |
You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Self-Improvement/Self-Help > Social Etiquette and Good Manners > Birthday Card Etiquette
Expert: Cynthia Lett - 11/12/2009
Question
My husband and I sent a birthday card to his mother. She cannot see very well and relies on her daughter to read her the card. The card was a bright colored old truck (so she could see it) with fall leaves and pumpkins. The verse writing was light. My husband and I each signed it.
I got a call from her saying I should be ashamed of myself for sending a card like that with and old junky truck on the front, not signed, no verse, and not even a gift card enclosed.
I realize she relied on her daughter to read the card and maybe she did not have her glasses on as well, but I was appalled at her saying "no gift card enclosed".
What are you thoughts on this?
I know what mine are but thought I would ask you?
Answer
Dear Ms. Emery:
I can imagine what your thoughts are about this situation and I believe we share them to some extent. When your mother-in-law accused you and your husband of being chintzy and ungenerous, your best response would be to apologize for not meeting her expectations and wish her a happy belated birthday. It is rude for anyone, family included, to ask for a gift (in her case a gift card) and not to thank the giver for their thoughtfulness of remembering her birthday. Beyond that, forgive her rudeness, don't try to compensate for her expectations and go on. If I had received her rebuke I might have said, "Husband and I thought you would appreciate the nostalgic picture on the card and the verse - I am sorry that you found it offensive. We certainly didn't intend to offend you. If you would look at the card again, you will definitely find our signatures and our best wishes to you are in the verse."
Ask a Question
|
|
