DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend and their spouse are planning a five-day vacation to my city, and have invited me out for dinner one night. I live in a trendy town with a lot of unique restaurants, and they asked me for a recommendation and information about specific places.
I haven’t been to the spots they asked about, but suggested others that I like a lot. They didn’t take my recommendations, and instead chose one of the restaurants on their list. Neither their choice nor my rec is a famous place, and both are highly reviewed online.
I’m going to go and likely enjoy the food a lot, but their decision still confuses me. Obviously, they can go wherever they want, but I still feel a little insulted they would rely on travel websites over me, a person who has lived here for 15 years.
This is the second time this has happened with out-of-town visitors. Are they being rude? Am I out of touch? Is it somewhere in between?
GENTLE READER: As you were twice fooled, Miss Manners understands why you would be miffed -- and unlikely to want to be ignored if asked for restaurant recommendations in the future. If the next request comes with an accompanying list, you may say, “I don’t know the ones you suggested, but if those don’t work out, I am happy to make reservations at one of my favorite places.”