Addressing the Bereaved
When introducing recently bereaved female relatives or friends, it’s important to be respectful and sensitive. Using outdated terms like “widow X” or “relict X” can cause offense. Instead, Miss Manners recommends using simple and respectful language, such as “Mrs. X, who recently lost her husband.” In the case of a bereaved male, it would be appropriate to refer to him as “Mr. X, who recently lost his wife.”
Canceling Invitations
It’s generally considered impolite to cancel an accepted invitation without a valid reason. However, Miss Manners acknowledges that sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise. In such cases, she suggests being honest and upfront with your host. Explain the situation clearly and apologize for any inconvenience. If possible, offer to make it up to them in the future.
It’s important to note that illness or death are universally recognized as acceptable excuses for canceling an invitation. However, general excuses like “something more important came up” are not typically considered valid reasons.
