How often do you observe and even practise a polite pretense? Frequently, we do it out of habit. For example, we may meet someone whom we instantly dislike. The only option we have is to use a polite pretense and try to end the conversation as quickly as possible. Over the years many of us as parents have used the polite pretense with our sons and/or daughters dates. It is not always easy particularly if we really dislike them. Sadly my late husband did not have this trait. He always spoke his mind which frequently was embarrassing. He would do it in the workplace and at home. He would reprimand individuals and give them his exact thoughts. He was much worse with men than women. Back then, though, the employment laws were different. He would think it was normal to tell a person they were lazy, dressed like a slob or at least inappropriate for an office, spent too much time playing on the internet which was really porn back then and so much more. Often the men would storm out in anger quitting which was really his goal as he didn’t want them to receive unemployement compensation. When he had to actually make a person redundant and it was a female he was more courteous and considerate. However, as he often wanted someone to quit, it was easier to be a jerk so that they would quit. I am sure we all have relatives whom we just can’t stand to deal with even on an infrequent basis. In their case attempting to being reasonably social and polite is the only choice we might have. Over the years I have learned that using the good manners my grandmother taught me has been an important part of who I am. I would rather have good manners and a polite pretense than be rude. How do you feel about polite pretense? The Good Gus Series is available online at Kindle, Nook and Waterstones. Hard copies, personally autographed, are available through our website www.goodgusbooks.com along with past blogs for your reading enjoyment. Now available audio and videos for the Good Gus series on YouTube! Digitizing for all the books are available now on YouTube! “Misplaced Trust” is now available on Amazon in e-book form. It is also available digitally at www.misplacedtrustbook.com. If you are thinking of a Will or a Living Trust, “Misplaced Trust” will give you the information you need to make an informed decision. Please check me out on IHeart radio. The Good Gus series, books one through four, are now available at the Morgan Mill Mail/UPS. I am about to be on Shopify, Instagram and Tic Tok!