We are still in the middle of a horrible pandemic. At least, many places are. Some have been amazing at getting their acts together (I’m looking at you, a whole lot of places in Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa). But the two countries I’ve called home in my life – the US and the UK –… Continue reading It’s Thanksgiving in a Pandemic
I’ve received questions about RSVPing before, but since we’re getting close to the winter holidays, when people will be hosting small gatherings (Thanksgiving with friends) and large gatherings (open house / cookie party / Christmas party), I wanted to take some time to revisit the concept. As a general rule: you should RSVP to things… Continue reading It’s Time to RSVP
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how to be a good host when guests stay with you in your home. Now it’s time for the flip side: how to be a good guest.* Planning Your Trip If you’re planning a trip to specifically visit certain people, or you’ve been invited by them, then… Continue reading Staying With Friends on Holiday
In the United States today, people are having backyard gatherings, grilling food, drinking beer. Or they’re going to parks and beaches. Tonight, many will watch — or even set off — fireworks (though hopefully they’ll follow my advice here). Ostensibly to celebrate the United States declaring independence from the the King of England. England …… Continue reading It’s the 4th of July
Having house guests can be delightful — you get to see people you perhaps haven’t seen in awhile, they get to save on hotel costs. Everybody wins! … Usually. But it can also be stressful, as people are around each other nearly non-stop, routines are interrupted, and someone is inevitably in the shower for way… Continue reading Hosting House Guests
Recently I posted some suggestions about how to interact with family members who might be a little bit racist. I wanted to take some time to expand on the premise, especially in light of an article that’s been going around. I think we need to talk a bit about the difference in expectations we have… Continue reading You Want To Stop Talking About Race (and you’re white)
Another terror attack, another Facebook Safety Check activation. I first learned of it after the Paris attacks, and then saw articles questioning what would trigger it after (if I’m remembering correctly) an attack in a Middle Eastern nation that didn’t. That same criticism has come up at other times, sparking discussion around what defines an… Continue reading Considering Whether to Participate in the Facebook Safety Check
Here is a thing that has been gnawing at me for a few months. I received a related question that I will definitely answer, but I wanted to take up a little bit of this space to work through my own thoughts on how to not be a jerk when someone I care about loses… Continue reading Someone You Care About Loses Someone (Part 1)
Regardless of how you choose to use Facebook, there are definitely ways you can be a jerk on there. Below are just a few things I’ve noticed over the years; I may add to this as I experience more in the future. Friending I have a general rule with Facebook: if I wouldn’t make the… Continue reading Using Facebook, Generally.
Is it obvious that we should be more interested in hearing about kids than about pets?