What’s the difference between “congratulations” and “best wishes” in wedding situations?

Christina, thank you for your perceptive question! First, words matter… and you’ve picked up on that. That’s wonderful! Right, fitting, pleasant, and true words reflect a thoughtfulness that aims for appropriateness. True words create a difference in our own lives and those around us. Encouragement often comes via fitting and appropriate language. Something about “trueness” in speech increases soul satisfaction […]

Back burner issues

Have you learned that there are times when certain endeavors have to be put on the back burner…things that you care about? That’s where this PM blog has been due to a variety of factors–some issues were (and still are) technical and other factors involved time constraints due to life’s speed bumps, and also because of some family needs.   […]

Happy New Year 2015

Dear PM friends Do you know that you are a special and unique person in today’s world…and the fact that you are here, that you care about good manners, a sense of order, kindness and respect for other people is a huge blessing in many ways…you make the world a better place. I am blessed to be growing in grace […]

Some thoughts from Messing with Manners

Thoughts on messing with manners… A question in many people’s mind is whether or not etiquette has any flexibility in its practices …the short answer, is of course it does. So when are detours or adjustments allowed? When are they necessary? Any variation from etiquette’s standards requires an understanding of why we do what we do, where we are going, […]

Not Ignoring Your Comments

Dear PM Friends Ever notice how, in the real world, nothing in life is a “slam dunk”?…And, so it is with our new site format, which for some reason doesn’t allow me to respond to your comments . Please know that I appreciate each of you who have taken time to email and make comments. I send my thanks via […]

By the Way Tip for Knitters

This is a side note for PM’s knitting friends. I’m enjoying the summer days with my daughter-in-law who just received a beautiful pattern book from her sister in Scotland. I think you might like it, too. Lovely and fresh, it’s titled Summer Breeze, featuring luxury cotton DK and Bamboo soft creations by Martin Storey from Rowan Classic. And, speaking of […]

Good Words

Do you know how powerful your words are? Words have great effect in two directions –they can build up or tear down.  Fitly spoken words possess the power to build up when dispensed in truth with sincerity. The key is speaking truthful words with sincerity, which rules out phoney flattery. Such words make a difference to others in our lives as Janet Lawrence tells us in this excerpt, reprinted with her kind […]