DEAR MISS MANNERS: When responding to personal compliments, a simple “Thank you,” or “How kind of you to say so,” seems obviously appropriate. My question is about handling an indirect compliment.
It happens that my dog, an English springer spaniel, is a particularly gorgeous example of the breed. When I am out and about with her, people will frequently say some version of, “You have a beautiful dog!”
I had nothing to do with her breeding and her resulting appearance, and my saying “thank you” seems to imply that I am taking credit for her beauty. What would be a more appropriate response?
GENTLE READER: “Woof”?
As your dog cannot speak for herself, it is up to you to reply with gracious thanks, as you presumably would when complimented on anything of yours.
If it makes you feel better, you did choose her. And Miss Manners assures you that no decent person would think you had direct genetic input.
(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.)
