Questions tagged [politeness]

Questions where acting with consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy is important. Include other tags for cultural context! For questions regarding someone else being rude, use the "rudeness" tag instead.

This tag can be used for questions about a behaviour that is respectful and considerate of other people. Since it is a culturally defined phenomenon, therefore what is considered polite in one culture can sometimes be quite rude or simply eccentric in another cultural context. So, a cultural tag such as or should be used with this.

346 questions
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How to discuss girlfriend's weight loss plans?

My girlfriend is in the process of losing weight, and the topic comes up between us occasionally (at her instigation), usually with a context of "I'm going to be so much hotter in a few months". She's very much doing it for herself, and I don't…
Tam Coton
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6 answers

Right way to ask a colleague not to slam the door

We have the following problem in the office: there is a colleague who, I think is nice enough once you get to know him a bit more closely. The thing is, most of the time he looks really grumpy or depressed. I don't really know how to read his face.…
tigrefurry
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Gentle way of asking for feedback after the first casual date?

I've met someone online, and after a few very pleasant exchanges we decided to go on a casual date, which I also quite enjoyed. Ever since that moment, our online exchanges started dying down. As of now I'm uncertain whether that other person did…
fullerene
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How to signal to partner that I'm unresponsive because I'm focussing on something?

I have social anxiety disorder. I also often zone out for unrelated reasons (say, when I'm really focused on something technical). My partner mistakes my zoning out for me not being okay, so they ask whether I'm okay or not. I often reply with a…
Kevin
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1 answer

Is it ok to video a TV reporter without their consent?

I am on vacation in city X, and it starts raining heavily. I stop at a petrol kiosk, and a TV reporter is on camera reporting the extremely heavy rain. I want to record the TV reporter and send the video to my friends to show how heavy the rain is…
tennessee
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Communication while setting up an informational interview via email

For an engineering class I'm taking, I've been interviewing experts in the field. The goal of these interviews is to: learn important information on our potential customers. find out more about the terminology to use. discuss previous solutions to…
2
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1 answer

How to point out a loved one's posture at the computer?

I regularly notice a loved one's bad posture while they are using their computer. It's at the point where I am concerned about the long term health of their back and spine. What would be a good way to bring it up? I have a feeling simply pointing…
Ivan Lesko
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Forgot something doctor told me during consulation

I forgot something important that the doctor I saw for a consultation told me. Would it be rude of me to email his practice and ask him to tell me again what I have forgotten? I paid a lot of money for the consult, so I think I am entitled to a…
JRG
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Follow up to informational interview

For an engineering class I'm taking, I've been interviewing experts in the field. The goal of these interview is to learn important information on our potential customers, find out more about the terminology to use, discuss previous solutions to the…
0
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2 answers

How to notifiy cleaning personnel that they've "missed a spot"

I think it's ill-mannered to tell someone that is cleaning for you to do a better job. However, how can I tell them that they probably missed a spot, without offending them? For example, when they sweep the floor and miss bread crumbs. I'm a student…
infinitezero
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Use of "what" when asking for partial clarification of what was said

I had it ingrained in me to avoid saying "what?" when I didn't hear what someone said, and instead ask "pardon?" to avoid sounding rude. What if I only need partial clarification of what was said though, and I don't want to force the speaker to…
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What is the most polite way to ask someone if they understand English?

If I'm communicating with someone online via email or on a website and they clearly do not understand English, what is the most polite way to ask them if they understand English or to ask if they understood my question? Perhaps, there's something…
user23585
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