DEAR MISS MANNERS: My neighborhood has regular open houses. I love going to see the layout of the houses and get ideas for decorating. I always tell the agent that I’m a nosy neighbor and just curious about the house. I don’t want the agent to waste their time on me or show me around. They always respond positively. Is that rude of me? My sister thinks it’s rude.
View Previous columns by Miss Manner
DEAR READER: That would certainly be a benefit to the seller. Others at the open house might get to know a friendly neighbor, and you could spread the word about the neighborhood’s virtues. Is that the problem? Is your sister worried that you might scare off potential buyers, either by annoying them in some way or by telling everyone you meet that there are bodies buried in the backyard? Otherwise, an open house might be considered open. Since Miss Manners discourages guests from asking for house tours and keeps everyone from peeking in the windows, this seems like a harmless way to satisfy people’s curiosity about others’ lifestyles.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners on her website, www.missmanners.com; to your email, [email protected]; or by mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
