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Dear Mary

Dear Mary: Is it rude to answer my child's call when I'm already on the phone?

Plus: Learn to blow your nose without being noticed; and prevent book theft

13 September 2014

9:00 AM

13 September 2014

9:00 AM

Q. My problem is that an older friend, with whom I enjoy lengthy telephone chats, becomes furious when my call waiting service flashes up the number of one of my elusive children and I ask if I may put her on hold very briefly. She says it is rude to her, that I have spoilt my children, and ‘they’ll just have to wait’.

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As the US decides, so can you

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