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Manners, manners

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Hints From Heloise

By Heloise Monday, May 21, 2007; 12:00 AM

Missing Manners

Dear Heloise: I am an 84-year-old grandmother and great-grandmother. I love my little people, but fear they are growing up with no SOCIAL GRACES. On Valentine's Day, Easter, birthdays and special days, we send them pretty cards with a little "pin money." Do we ever hear from them? No! All they need to do is pick up the phone and call. We do not expect them to drop a note, although that would be nice.

Children today take too much for granted and are too busy with the computer or watching television. Where are the standards we grew up with? We need a courtesy class, and soon.

Thank you so much for your fun learning column. Don't ever give it up -- it makes my day. -- H.R.K., via letter

You are not alone concerning this good-manners subject. It seems that receiving a handwritten thank-you is becoming more rare. However, each generation seems to lament about this touchy topic, so it's not just "young people" today. Yes, a verbal or e-mail thank-you might be appropriate for many occasions, but a handwritten one still is always appreciated.

And here's a comment from Carolyn in Tennessee: "I have given numerous gifts over time and have received very few thank-yous in verbal or note form, so I have come up with a plan. All my future wedding, baby and birthday gifts will be a card with a booklet inside. The booklet is one I got for $1, and it includes ways to say 'thank you."'

Well, this is certainly one thought, but I'm not sure how well your gift will be received.

FAST FACTS

Dear Readers: Fingernail polish isn't just for fingernails! Try these hints:

Mark tools, so they get returned.

Mark "on" and "off" positions on stove knobs.

Mark the location of a favorite radio station.

May be used to cover scratches on appliances if the color matches.

NO MORE DENIM ROLL-UP

Dear Heloise: In response to the lady who uses clothespins on the hems of her denim clothes to keep them from curling up, here is a solution:

Turn all denim clothing inside-out, and there won't be a problem with curling hems. -- M.G.M., San Antonio

SOUND OFF

Dear Heloise: I pick up lunch for a bunch of us in my office, but ordering several lunches from a fast-food drive-through can be extremely frustrating. Nine times out of 10, I find that something is missing when I get back to the office. If I call and complain, they'll say to come back for it. Since I have limited time for lunch, this isn't possible, and if I take the time to check the order before I leave the drive-through, the cars behind me have to wait. -- A Reader, via e-mail

This is a universal Sound Off, and one many people can relate to! Folks, what's your hint to prevent his aggravating dilemma?

(c)2007 by King Features Syndicate Inc.

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