Tattoos in the Workplace: A New Norm for Young People? And What to Say When Faced with Unwanted Advances in Public Settings

My granddaughter is a 27-year-old and she believes that most young people her age have tattoos and don’t even bother to cover them up at work. She wonders if this is the new norm. I used to believe that legitimate businesses required employees to cover up their tattoos, but if they are not offensive and the employers are okay with them, Miss Manners suggests there is no need to intervene. Perhaps it’s just a way for this generation to express themselves and show their love for their mothers and butterflies.

On the other hand, a reader has asked for advice on how to respond to unfamiliar men who approach her in public settings and ask about her height. These men often assume her height without waiting for an answer and then compare it to their own height, only to be proven wrong. This situation has left her feeling uncomfortable and unsure of how to respond. Miss Manners recommends a playful response, such as saying, “5-foot-10, you say? Weird. So am I.”

If you have any questions for Miss Manners, you can reach out to her through her website, email, or by postal mail.