DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have never been one to wear a lot of makeup unless it is a special event. My daily makeup often consists of foundation/concealer, mascara and lip gloss.
I have often received compliments on my “lovely” skin. Knowing that I’m covering discoloration from acne scars and that my natural skin is not blemish-free, I feel dishonest just saying “thank you.” In fact, my ex-husband once gave me the side-eye when I did this, whispering, “if only she knew.”
Should I be disclosing that they are not seeing a makeup-free face?
GENTLE READER: You do not have to betray truth in packaging when it comes to compliments.
As a society, we are oversharing, and in Miss Manners’ opinion, women in particular feel the need to apologize for, explain away or deflect even the most generally pleasant of accolades. You do not need to indulge anyone with unsolicited confessions.
And while we are at it, you might have told your ex-husband to keep his side-eye and whispering to himself. Obviously, he must have had serious blemishes of his own.
(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
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