DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband works from home, and a colleague does not. Colleague sometimes texts my husband that there is a product or mail for him at the office, and kindly offers to drop it by our home. My husband accepts and is very appreciative.
The drop-off generally occurs on a weekend, early in the day, when I am either in bed or lounging about the house in robe and slippers. Because we moved during the pandemic, our house is "new" to Colleague, so this morning, my husband elected to give him a tour. The tour did not include the bedroom where I sat in pajamas responding to email.
I like Colleague a lot, but am accustomed to meeting him only when "ready to greet the world." I felt it rude not to make an appearance, so I robed myself and popped out to say hello, nothing more. The men went on chatting for half an hour or so about our new home, the work to be done, etc., and I scampered away.
I do not want to be either rude or inattentive in these situations. What do you suggest?
GENTLE READER: Since it was based on showing off a new home, this problem presumably will not be recurring. But Miss Manners assures you that the impromptu and work-based visit did not require your presence, and that your behavior was sufficiently cordial.
If Colleague is planning on being privy to any future remodeling, however, perhaps your husband can give you some advance warning -- so that you do not again get caught in your pajamas.