DEAR ABBY: On occasion, I lunch with a rather casual business acquaintance. Recently, after finishing the meal, this lady took dental floss from her purse and flossed her teeth at the table. This was in the presence of other diners. I was shocked and embarrassed.
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The woman holds an important position with a reputable company. Abby, I could not believe what I was seeing! The first time this happened, I put the incident behind me, assuming it would be a one-time thing. However, she repeated the same scene at our next luncheon. And as if that were not bad enough, she laid the used dental floss on the edge of her plate.
Abby, please advise your readers that flossing is something that should be done in the privacy of one's own home, and should it be necessary to floss elsewhere, please ask to be excused and floss in the restroom.
I cannot tell this individual in person because it could mean the loss of business for me, and I can't afford such a loss at this time.
No name, initials, city or state, please. Just make up a name if you print this, or sign it ... APPALLED
DEAR APPALLED: It is possible that this woman doesn't know that it is very unappetizing to see someone floss his or her teeth at the table, so you would be doing her an enormous favor if you told her -- privately, of course.