Just Ask Georgia: 1/8/2025

GEORGIA, I have a question,

I treated a friend to lunch, but when we entered the restaurant, she mentioned that someplace else was better. I was taken aback and thought it was an unconscious slip, but this happened again with a different friend.

What could I have said to indicate their comments were rude without offending them?

LUNCH CHOICES

Dear CHOICES,

It is impolite to tell others that they are being rude, but perhaps you may accomplish this by making them feel foolish instead.

Look concerned and ask, in a quiet voice, if they would prefer to go somewhere else instead. You should make this inquiry as the waitstaff walks you to the table. Your friend will immediately understand the consequence of answering in the affirmative.

This will only work if telling the waiter you are leaving will be more embarrassing for your friend than for you, but I trust you will know this before trying this.

With love, GEORGIA

GEORGIA, I have a question,

My boyfriend and I work at the same place but in different departments. We walk into work together every day; I’ve told him quite a few times that his kissing me at work makes me uncomfortable. I’m happy to walk in with him, but I don’t want (or need) a kiss goodbye as we go to our separate departments. I feel it's very unprofessional, but he continues to do it anyway, and if I don’t kiss him, he gets mad. Am I asking too much or being unreasonable?

WORK NO-NO

Dear NO-NO,

While I have no idea your age, it sounds like your boyfriend needs to grow up, and you, my dear, are in the right. While I have no huge qualms over a quick peck goodbye, if it makes YOU uncomfortable, then stand your ground. Or, perhaps, seek a relationship elsewhere.

With love, GEORGIA

Have a question for Georgia? Email her at whledger@gmail.com.

Please note: this column is just for fun. No person, animal, or property has ever been harmed or in danger. Satire is “the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.”