Miss Manners : My family cant stop talking about how handsome my newborn son is but they bad mouth his 3 year old sister

I was grateful that my daughter was not with me because I was not ready to deal with the comments about her appearance. I was not ready to deal with the comments about her appearance because I had been through a traumatic experience in my past that made me extremely sensitive to comments about my body.

My Past Trauma

My past trauma was a result of a long-term relationship that ended in a violent breakup. The relationship was emotionally and physically abusive, and I was left with physical and emotional scars. The experience left me with a deep-seated fear of being hurt again, and a strong desire to protect myself and those I love. As a result, I have become extremely sensitive to comments about my body, and I often find myself feeling anxious or defensive when I hear negative comments about my appearance.

The Impact on My Daughter

As a mother, I want to shield my daughter from the negative comments and experiences that I had to endure in my past.

They’re just jealous of your cuteness!” This is the advice given by a popular parenting blogger, but is it effective?

The Power of a Simple Gesture

A simple “like” on social media can be a powerful gesture, but it can also be perceived as a lack of engagement or interest. In today’s digital age, where we’re constantly connected and sharing our thoughts and feelings, a like without a message can be seen as a hollow gesture. It can be perceived as a way to avoid conflict or difficult conversations

It can be seen as a way to maintain a superficial online presence

It can be perceived as a lack of genuine interest or engagement

The Importance of a Personalized Message

On the other hand, a personalized message can be a powerful way to show interest and engagement. A message that is tailored to the individual or the specific topic can be seen as a genuine expression of interest and care. It shows that you’ve taken the time to read and understand the content

It shows that you’re willing to engage in a conversation and respond to the person’s thoughts and feelings

It can be a way to build a connection and establish a relationship

The Impact of a Simple Gesture on Relationships

A simple gesture like a like or a message can have a significant impact on relationships, both online and offline.

She also cites the not-so-formal rule that you are not obligated to respond to every single message you receive.

The Art of Not Responding

The Power of Silence

In today’s digital age, silence can be a powerful tool. When it comes to responding to messages, emails, or phone calls from strangers, Miss Manners advises against it. She argues that responding is not a requirement, and that silence can be a sign of respect and boundaries. Not responding to every single message can be a liberating experience, freeing you from the pressure of responding to every single inquiry. Silence can be a powerful tool in setting boundaries and prioritizing your time and energy. In a world where everyone is connected, silence can be a refreshing respite from the constant stream of messages and notifications.

The Business Etiquette Rule

Miss Manners cites the business etiquette rule that you are not required to return calls from strangers. This rule is often overlooked, but it’s essential to remember that you don’t have to respond to every single message you receive. The business etiquette rule is not just about responding to calls, but also about setting boundaries and prioritizing your time and energy.