Miss Manners: Is it rude to say “I’m full” when turning down an offer for more food?

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am 64 years old. My mother insists that when I am offered another helping of food, it’s rude for me to reply, “No, thank you, I’m full.” She says I should just say “No, thank you” and leave it at that because no one wants to know whether I’m full.

If I say that I am full, she frowns and gives me a withering look. In fact, she gives me the same look when I just say “No, thank you” because she always thinks I’m going to add that I am full.

However, many of my other relatives regularly say that they are full! Is my mom right?

GENTLE READER: Always. And Miss Manners agrees that picturing your full stomach has a bad effect on other people’s appetites.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

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