Page 9 - Inspirations2

have said to avoid the scene?

A: Hindsight is always 20/20 -- so you probably
should not have put the rake anywhere near other
people for something like that to happen. Since it did
happen, your apology was enough. Her dramatic
over-reaction got her attention she craved and made
you feel terrible - she got exactly the feeling she want-
ed. She’s forgotten the whole thing and you’re still
feeling awful -- let it go and from now on, hold onto
any new lawn rakes and let the cashier come around
and scan it.

Q: My fiancé died last year and I don’t know what to do Q: It seems everybody is selling something these days.
about the large diamond engagement ring since I have It used to be Tupperware, but now it is china, jewelry
begun to date someone else seriously. Also, I have the and decorations. The hostess assures me I don’t have
rings from my marriage that ended in divorce. Is there to buy anything, but I feel obligated to buy something I
any way to wear them? neither want nor need because she has to meet a
quota in order to get a prize. I hate having to go to
A: If you’ve already moved on into another parties that are really sales events. Help!
relationship, and if you haven’t done anything with the
rings from another marriage, then you should convert A: The late actress, Katherine Hepburn said sagely,
all the diamonds and gold into cash and put it towards “Never Assume!” If you hear the phrase, “You’re not
an item you do want. obligated to buy anything…” Do not assume you are
exempt from buying something. If you show up and
Q: What should be done with place cards when they participate, you’re going to end up buying some thing
are on a very elaborately folded napkin? you don’t want or need. Your hostess is passing the
obligation on to her friends so she can win a knick-
A: The same thing you would do if a simply folded knack she doesn’t want or need. Next time, say,
napkin was on the plate. Remove the place card from “Thanks for inviting me, but I won’t be able to attend.”
the napkin and place it above your plate. That way You do not need to explain why.
people on either side of you will be able to glance at it
and pretend they know who you are.

Q: At a garden supply store I was in line with a leaf If you have a question,
rake and somehow it got caught in the dress hem of send them to:
the lady in front of me. As she was leaving I placed the
rake on the counter so the clerk could scan the price ifyouaskmeinspire@gmail.com
and it snagged the hem of her dress. It did not
damage the dress or the lady, but she let out a barrage
of foul language that embarrassed everyone. I
apologized over and over but she continued long after
the rake and her skirt were separated. What could I

Inspirations Magazine | Spring Page 8