DEAR MISS MANNERS: My adult brother asked my husband (a lawyer) and me (a professional writer) to “take a look at” a business letter he planned on sending. We both assumed he was asking for editing advice, and we proposed a radical rewrite. My husband dealt with the letter’s legal aspects, and I addressed its tone and approach.
My brother responded coldly to our proposed changes. His response was along the lines of “You have your style and I have mine.” We obviously hurt his feelings, and in hindsight, I wish we had simply rubber-stamped the project.
What would have been the appropriate way to handle this situation? And should we now apologize? He hasn’t spoken to us since, but he may just be busy.
GENTLE READER: No, he is sulking. Miss Manners has learned that “Tell me your honest opinion” is seldom an honest request.
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