Dear Debra: Whenever I call and leave a message for a friend of mine, she either texts or emails her response. Why? Is it appropriate to respond to a voice message with text or email? I am bothered by this, but wondering if I am being a bit too picky. Any insight? Sincerely, Not […]
Fine Art of Small Talk
The Fragility of the Fired Friend – Debra Fine’s Advice
Dear Debra: A friend and colleague of mine was recently fired from her position at our company. It was an unexpected event and she is obviously upset. What should I say to her – especially since I am still working at the company? Sincerely, Where Did All The Good Times Go? Dear Where Did All […]
Meetings Going Nowhere? Debra Fine To the Rescue
I am, as you know, such a huge fan of small talk; but sometimes small talk can be the culprit of derailed meetings. In my BST life (Before Small Talk) I sat through a highly anticipated meeting where a group of smart, savvy, stylish people were gathered to discuss something critical. I knew it was […]
First Comes Love, Then Comes Small Talk: Debra Fine’s Wedding Series | Part 4
Do weddings make you cry? No, I don’t mean welling up when the bride walks down the aisle; I mean REAL tears, the kind that happen when you are nervous about attending a wedding for any number of reasons? Perhaps you are guest without a plus one, or maybe you recently called off your own engagement. Perhaps […]
Please, Say Thank You. Is Common Courtesy Becoming Uncommon?
I cringe when I hear, “No problem!” in response to me saying “Thank you.” Actually, there is a problem and the problem is responding with “No problem.” When you say, “Thank you,” the only response from me should be, “You are welcome” or “My pleasure.” Sadly, even the days of “No problem” are fading, giving […]
First Comes Love, Then Comes Small Talk | Debra Fine’s Wedding Series: Part 3
So you’ve sashayed through the shower and breezed through the bachelorette party finally it is time for the wedding! Whoa, whoa, whoa. Not so fast! Did you forget the all-important rehearsal dinner? More food! More drinks! More reasons to small talk! This event is the warm up to the day. The junior varsity […]
