"DEAR MISS MANNERS: I enjoy having friends and acquaintances from different walks of life, and have found unexpected kinship with people who hold beliefs very different from my own. In other words, I try not to be judgmental. My natural inclination when meeting someone is to find common ground. However, I recently found myself in a situation where a mutual friend introduced me to someone whose public statements and actions are so reprehensible to me that I had no desire"
"Refusing an introduction is not only impolite to the person being introduced, but, more importantly, to the friend introducing you. All you have to do is say, How do you do? and then move on. Notice that Miss Manners does not suggest saying any version of the common (but not etiquette-sanctioned) It's nice to meet you, because she knows it is not. But even if you slip and accidentally say that and you should say"
Refusing an introduction is impolite to both the person introduced and the friend making the introduction. A brief, polite acknowledgement such as “How do you do?” followed by moving on is appropriate. Saying “It’s nice to meet you” should be avoided if insincere. A mere meeting does not constitute a social connection, and leaving promptly can prevent unwanted association or photographic evidence. At public operatic concerts, loud chatting or singing along is disruptive. Addressing disruption with harsh words is tactless; a polite, measured request to be quiet is the preferable response to preserve enjoyment for others.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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