DEAR MISS MANNERS: Those of us who keep things tidy are often accused of being “neat freaks” for some reason. My best friend and roommate has labeled me such, although she very much enjoys the end result of a neat and tidy environment.
What is the proper response when someone accuses me of being a “neat freak,” even if it is said lightheartedly?
And is there a word for the opposite type of person, besides the obvious rude retorts?
GENTLE READER: “Well, it beats being a dirty freak.”
Oh, is that one of the obvious rude responses? Sorry, but this method of dumbing-down standards in order to justify one’s own shortcomings annoys Miss Manners. Yet perhaps you are right that a light tone does not soften that quite enough.
How about a jolly, “It sure beats being a messy freak”? Is that better?
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)