#funeral-etiquette

#funeral-etiquette

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When my mother passed away some years ago, my brother and his wife placed a stuffed black cat toy in her casket. My mother had owned several black cats. Months later, I was opening a Christmas gift from my brother. It turned out to be a stuffed black cat. He said, Do you know where that came from? Of course I knew! My mouth dropped open. Miss Manners, was this absolutely the worst Christmas gift ever, or am I missing something?

Not causing a scene at the funeral is a good etiquette rule to follow. If this person approaches you, you may say, Excuse me, and walk away, purposefully, but without any show of anger as if you were called off to deal with something urgent. You can go to the bathroom for a minute if need be. Miss Manners is indifferent so long as it convinces anyone watching that your departure was unrelated to the person.