When we rely upon laws to enforce decent behavior, we end up spending our hard-earned money on attorneys. Rather than legal recourse, I’m on a mission to amp up my personal charm and collaborative kindness. Good manners are contagious.
Let’s get viral together.
This can be a tough one, sisters …
Picture it:
You’re in the throes of Thanksgiving.
Much to your delight, someone else has done all of the cooking.
(A girl can dream, can’t she?)
So, you’re sitting pretty before a plate that is courteously clean …
nary a smudge of gravy left behind.
You’ve tried the turkey,
sampled the stuffing,
reveled in roasted veggies,
nibbled, noshed,
sipped, and sampled—
and, lo and behold,
you’re finished!
Now, here comes the hard part:
Your hostess,
beaming with benevolence,
says you must eat more, a little taste of this, oh, and you haven’t tried that.
Perhaps she’s already bearing down on you …
Elizabeth says: Love it!
Winnie Nielsen says: I love this fall idea for a porch!
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
So good to hear this again!
Why do people think it is important to try and force people to eat more food? This has always been so annoying to me who happens to not eat a lot at each setting. I never would do this to my guests. Your tips are a good reminder of how to be gracious while getting your point across that the answer is NO!
I would add another suggestion. . . Sometimes a hostess has so much leftover, she’s trying real hard to get rid of it. Perhaps you decline politely, “No thank you, it was so delicious, and I’m quite satisfied! But if you’re truly looking to get rid of it, I wouldn’t mind taking home some to enjoy again later!”
Then the hostess (or host) will certainly not feel insulted. At least I wouldn’t if someone declined this way.