Fun with Etiquette: Embarrassed Beyond Words

Dear Ms. Etiquette,
I am mortified beyond words at what my oldest son did and am wondering how I can rectify it. I have had a friend helping me out for a while with the kids at my house because I simply do not have ten arms and found myself in a bind with many chores. I have a special guest coming and she volunteered to help “clean up” and do some organizing around the house. She was tucking my youngest in to bed one evening when my oldest approached her and said, “You’re like a maid!” I was dumbstruck, I couldn’t even formulate words in my mouth, I was like a deer caught in headlights! The last thing I want to do is offend her but out of the mouth of babes… In her kindness, she said, “It’s called charity work and we are all called to do this. This is what God is calling me to do now, so I’m doing it.” How do I respond to that?

-Embarressed Beyond Words

Dear Embarrassed,
I don’t think you have to respond to anything, it was all answered in kindness. This is a wonderful lesson for your son who made an observance at something that was out of the ordinary. Most people do not go out of their way to help their neighbor, but afterall, this is the season of Lent. You might just want to reaffirm to your son that we are all called to do these things and the rewards are beyond measure. During Lenten season we should sacrifice a little more and give more than normal. Reaffirming the goodness in the friend is all you can do. Next time you may want to have granola bars handy to stuff in their mouths when you think an embarrassing moment is coming up, you know, “stop the chatter.” Lol, just kidding!

Irma Wolcott is the owner of Fun With Etiquette. Call her at 956-492-4762 for more information. Website: www.funwithetiquette.com e-Mail her at: [email protected]