DEAR MISS MANNERS: Several times, friends, acquaintances and family members have apologized to me (face to face) for their not having written a sympathy or thank-you note.
I did not know how to respond to, for example, “I heard that your father died, and I should have sent you a note, but I didn’t and now I feel bad about it.”
I’m afraid I said something like, “Yes, there was lots of sorrow all around,” but I really feel doubly offended.
And many times I have heard, “I loved the (party, lunch, gift) you gave, and I should have sent you a thank-you note.” How would Miss Manners respond?
GENTLE READER: “That’s quite all right. I didn’t expect it.”
Miss Manners is not sure that the All About Me Folks -- you lost your father, and therefore they want you to console them -- will understand. But it should make you feel better.