DEAR MISS MANNERS: After the tragedy in Uvalde, the chief of police began his statement with the greeting, "Good afternoon."
The next day, after an understandably sleepless night, I arrived at my job -- at a school -- filled with grief, only to be told "Good morning!" by five different colleagues.
All of these greetings seemed insensitive considering the circumstances. Are these good manners? Is this an appropriate greeting under the circumstances?
GENTLE READER: Do you imagine, even for one second, that the police or your colleagues were enjoying the day and wishing that you would, too?
Miss Manners should not have to point out that this is a conventional greeting, not to be taken literally. Have you never said "Goodnight" on a stormy evening?
Of course your feelings are raw at such a time. So are everyone else's. Please do not exacerbate the situation by vilifying people for delivering an automatic courtesy with no intention of ill will.