DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it rude to tell an artist that you love their work, but cannot afford to buy it?
I said something along these lines to an artist at a local art show, and her response was to the effect of, “The price is very reasonable.” Which it was, of course -- I hadn’t intended to imply otherwise, just to express my regret at not being able to purchase the art.
I had thought that saying that I would purchase a piece if only I could was a stronger compliment than simply saying I liked the art and moving on.
GENTLE READER: Sensible people believe you when you say that you love their work; introducing the topic of money does not, contrary to popular belief, make you sound more convincing. And, as Miss Manners could have told you before you discovered it yourself, it can get you into trouble.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
COPYRIGHT 2023 JUDITH MARTIN
DISTRIBUTED BY ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500
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