DEAR MISS MANNERS: In a family social media group, what is the proper response if two of your adult grandchildren call you by your first name, intentionally and without permission? It had been “Grandma” before; we’re estranged but I’m included in the family social media page.
GENTLE READER: The electronic age has given rise to many inexplicable gray areas, to which Miss Manners will now add “estranged but included in the family social media page.”
Relatives usually become estranged when misbehavior reaches a level where one or both sides can no longer tolerate social interaction. If excessive familiarity was central to the original estrangement, then the social media page may serve as an invitation to resume hostilities. If not -- or if there is the possibility of redemption -- then a polite request to resume your former designation may be enough.