AboutCynthia 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.
Question Myself and 2 other ladies became friendly with our dogs. The
one lady(lets call her doglady as she knows a lot about
dogs,has 2 dogs and always has dog treats) was always giving
us stuff and stuff for our dogs so for her birthday we each
got her a gift. This was 4 months ago. About a month later
we started to drift apart. The lady was very controlling and
an expert about everything. We still wanted to remain
aquaintance's as it is a small neighborhood park that we
walk our dogs in and wanted to remain friendly.We have run
into her at the part with the dogs and remained friendly for
the past 2months. However, me and the other lady remained
friends. The other day I was at the one lady's house having
a beverage on the patio when we seen the dog lady and we
went out with the dogs in the park as we usually do. The
left rather quickly. Yesterday she was back in the park and
when we joined her she announced that she was giving our
gifts back. When my one friend asked why, she stated 'we are
not friends only aquaintances'. She obviously got jealous
that me and the other lady were still quite friendly and
wanted to reject us as she felt rejected. I feel this is the
most ridiculous and absolutely rude statement that this
person needed to make. She also did it in front her latest
dog walking friends which was also in bad taste. My question
is what are your thoughts and do you think we should address
this with her in anyway? I am inclined to not address it a
stubborn person who obviously thinks that this was ok to do.
Answer Dear Tara:
It is probably a good thing that you are not friends with doglady as she is a particularly rude person and you can do better with friends. If she hands to you the gift you gave to her, smile and say, "I am so sorry that you didn't like it. I gave it to you with appreciation and friendship." Then, leave it alone and don't mention it if the opportunity arises. Then, go along with your life and just be civil to her.
