Thoughts on inappropriate language. Dear Debra: I am over a 50 year-old female. I don’t know if that matters or not, but I am often surprised by the free-flow of what once was considered foul language in every day conversation. Am I being too sensitive? I can’t believe how often I hear four-letter […]
Fine Art of Small Talk
Talk Tyrants and Their Victims | A Small Talk Series | The One-Upper
Beware: There are small talk criminals lurking everywhere. The coffee shop, your kids’ school, the gym, the office, the dinner party. These brazen bullies strike quickly and without warning – and they don’t care who they hurt. My ongoing series, Talk Tyrants, serves two purposes: it allows you the chance to escape the attack […]
Thank You Notes Via Facebook? No LIKE.
Dear Debra: Is it appropriate to use Facebook to send a thank you note? I recently gave my friend’s daughter a generous gift to celebrate a big event in her life, and was surprised when I received a message from her via Facebook. Am I wrong to feel wronged? Sincerely, Feeling Unfriended Dear […]
Talk Tyrants and Their Victims | A Small Talk Series | The Interrogater
Beware: There are small talk criminals lurking everywhere. The coffee shop, your kids’ school, the gym, the office, the dinner party. These brazen bullies strike quickly and without warning – and they don’t care who gets hurt. My ongoing series, Talk Tyrants, serves two purposes: it allows you the chance to escape […]
How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? What To Do When Someone Barks Out Money Questions.
Dear Debra: What do you say when someone asks you how much something costs? The question makes me uncomfortable, but I find myself answering because I don’t know what else to do! Sincerely, Money Is Buying Me Unhappiness Dear Unhappiness: Why do so many people want others to show them the money? Why […]
Taming Flyaways – How to Small Talk Your Way into First Class
We’ve all done that walk past the first class passengers, and no matter how many times you do it, it still stings just a little, doesn’t it? Seeing the fluffy blankets and comfy chairs, hearing the sound of ice tinkling happily in glasses not made out of toxic plastic. . . it just makes […]
