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If you ever wondered why writers write and probably shouldn’t go on TV, here is your answer. The good news? It seems people do still have an interest in acting right. Thanks to Allie Mac Kay and KTLA for asking SP to be “on the air”, as they say. View here.
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this post has 8 comments
Dear SP,
I don’t know why I hadn’t come up with the short and perfect answer that you advise. “I’m sorry, we don’t allow children at our dinner parties; thank you for understanding.”
I think that in an effort to avoid causing offence, I’ve forgotten how to be — politely — direct.
Thank you,
C
posted on July 7, 2009
Easy and Elegant Life
485
Well played.
I have a situation that may warrant a post. I’m afraid to go off on a screed as the transgressors may be reading my blog and I’d hate to offend… but…
Recently Mrs. E. and I have had a number of friends who also have children invite them along after an invitation to the parents to come to dinner. We try (politely) reminding them that our children are in bed by 7:30 and that would leave no entertainment for their progeny. Mrs. E. goes on to say that we were hoping to spend some “adult time” with our friends the parents.
My question is two-fold: is this a new thing? And is there a less sticky way of asking that children stay at home?
Thanks for your thoughts SP.
C
Dear C,
I will tell you of a recent experience of mine in hopes that the telling will offer a little illumination. I was throwing a dinner party for a friend’s birthday recently, a sit-down, catered (SP does not cook), staffed affair. Several of the guests called to ask if they could bring their children. I responded that while I would love nothing better than seeing you run around chasing your children at my dinner party, I would appreciate your full attention and engagement of the company assembled. As would our guest of honor. So please, leave the kiddies at home. I do not understand people that drag their progeny everywhere they go. It seems to me there is somthing lacking in a life that is not lived among intelligent company. If your guests are too dense to appreciate this fact, it is absolutely correct to inform them of your wishes. No children at a dinner party. Thank you.
Cordially,
SP
posted on June 24, 2009
Easy and Elegant Life
387
firstly – great job. those tv interviews are always kind of gruesome to get through . . . lol.
but, seriously, that one anchor could CLEARLY use some etiquette lessons – but you rose above the fray and presented yourself and the material very well.
kudos,
scot
posted on June 11, 2009
tartanscot
302
Very nice, SP (“dude”), but what is up with those reporters!?
posted on June 11, 2009
CashmereLibrarian
301
You are being too hard on your performance. I think you actually did a better job than the reporter who was hosting the segment!
Thanks, Peter. But I must say Allie was a real pro and a master at putting me at ease. She made the whole thing enjoyable and tolerable at 5:00 AM.
posted on June 11, 2009
Peter
300
Interesting to see, but I must say this etiquette differs from what is common and accepted in Europe.
posted on June 11, 2009
Dave
299
I agree on your graceful handling of moments that could have gone awkwardly awry very easily. Kudos!
posted on June 10, 2009
Max
295
Great exposure for SP; I think you handled it much more elegantly than I could have during the less “structured” moments. But, of course, that is how a gentleman should behave: have the ability to adapt and look good doing it.
posted on June 10, 2009
Gentleman Mac
294