20-40-60 Etiquette Question and Answers


Posted January 21, 2010 by Helen Ford Wallace Comment on this article Leave a comment

Parties Extra!…20-40-60 Question….from an avid Oklahoman and a  NewsOk reader.

YOU ASK…WE ANSWER…YOU DECIDE

QUESTION: My husband and I recently celebrated the birth of our first child. For our families, this is the first grandchild. Everyone is showering affection on our child, and we appreciate all the support, gifts and love.

The problem: too much family time. Our relatives – both in-town and out-of-town – are coming to our house without asking if we have plans.

Some stay the night. Others just stop by for the evening. I’m feeling smothered but I have no idea how to tell them this without hurting their feelings. I want to be nice but firm.

I’m really looking forward to your answer because we’re 20-somethings dealing with 40- and 60-somethings.

Callie’s Answer: Be straight with them! Tell them that you’re exhausted (which I’m sure you both are) and that you appreciate all the good intentions of everyone wanting to come see the child, but, it is too crazy right now!

Tell your mom you would like to have a “sip and see” at your chosen date so everyone can come see your new “bundle of joy!” That way there is a certain date for everyone to come and not just stop by at their convenience!

Lillie-Beth’s Answer: How much fun (and exhausting) to have a new baby! It’s even better that you have so many wanting to celebrate with you and that you acknowledge their joy in addition to your own. However, it’s OK for you to set boundaries with your family members and friends.

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ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR
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Lillie-Beth Brinkman currently is assistant features editor for The Oklahoman/NewsOK.com. She writes a weekly column about apps called "Get...


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SOCIETY EDITOR
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Helen Ford Wallace is a columnist covering society-related events/news for The Oklahoman. She puts local parties online with daily updates. She...


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FREELANCE WRITER
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Callie Gordon is currently a student at the University of Oklahoma studying communication. Throughout campus, she is involved in the Kappa Kappa...

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