Mary Killen Mary Killen

Your Problems Solved | 19 July 2003

Etiquette advice from The Spectator's Miss Manners

issue 19 July 2003

Q. Having just sold a flat, I have some spare cash which I wish to put to good use for my family. My grandson George recently had a nasty operation on his knee, and my daughter was, at the time, not quite sure how much the medical insurance would pick up. I sent her a cheque for £5,000 to lessen her worry — and I also said that if she didn’t need it now to put it into a separate account in case of complications. I know that my letter arrived, but I now find, three weeks later, that she has not paid this cheque in. Is she lazy, forgetful or simply uncaring? What do you think? I am frightened to ring her.
Name and address withheld

A. Perhaps your daughter is earning ‘funny money’ in the City, and your own real money has had a reduced impact on her. Perhaps she has been distracted from her duty by the sort of self-generated mini-dramas typical of the young.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in