Miss Prim January 2012
Ms. Prim A La Proper
Dear Ms. Prim,
Every year, my mom sends me the ugliest clothing imaginable. When I say ugly, I mean she sends me the tackiest, most inappropriate clown clothes that you’ve ever seen. Last year, for my birthday, she gave me a paisley shirt that was the color of regurgitated pea soup. If that wasn’t bad enough, she actually watches to make sure I wear this stuff.
My time with my mom has turned into some kind of charade out of a sitcom. I have to make sure to keep every stitch of clothing she gives me so that I can wear them in succession with each time I see her. That way, she doesn’t get suspicious and ask uncomfortable questions about why I’m not wearing the stuff she gives me. This whole thing is a nightmare.
I guess you can tell that I really need some advice on how to deal with this. How can I tell my mom that I hate the clothes she buys me without crushing her?
-Walshzoe
Dear Walshzoe,
Oh honey, you have no idea how often I get requests like this. It’s almost like it’s the reason I’m here. Oh wait… it is. Anyway, I’m all for you telling your mommy how you feel, but let me give you a bit of advice on how to do it.
First off, if you want to spare your dear mother’s feelings, don’t use the word “hate” like you did here. Say something a tad bit more polite. It might be nice to say something along the lines of “I know you work really hard to find me clothes, Mom. But the stuff you get me isn’t very practical to wear.” Be gentle.
Secondly, you should break the news to her at a time when she’s in a good mood. Start a nice, relaxing conversation at dinner and just slip this in. Tell her some good qualities about some other gifts she gives you besides clothing to ease her into this. That way, she’ll hopefully just brush this off rather than take it too seriously.
Lastly, tell her you appreciate her and all the hard work she goes through to try to get you nice clothes to wear. Trust me, honey; it makes all the difference if she knows that her efforts are appreciated.
I hope that’s helpful, sweetheart. E-mail me if you need more advice.
-Ms. Prim
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