Dear Amy: “Uncle George” is having a milestone birthday this year, and we thought a framed copy of his birth certificate would be a thoughtful gift.
Unfortunately, his given birth date seems to be a work of fiction because neither the state nor the city in which he was born records a birth of a Baby George to his parents on that date.
Several years later, yes, but not on what we believed is his birthday. He is not adopted and resembles both his parents, so there is no question of legitimacy. We are all now wondering how much of what we think we know about “Uncle George” is fictional, and why.
Your thoughts on this? — Confused
Dear Confused: You are implying that “Uncle George” is lying to seem older. I’m not sure what his motivation would be. I am interested that you, his loving relations, would immediately assume that he is lying and that his life is some sort of grand fiction rather than entertain the idea that you might be mistaken about the particulars of his birth or — and I know this is a stretch — a municipality might have made a mistake in record-keeping.
The person closest to Uncle George should point out this discrepancy to him and then accept whatever explanation he offers.
Dear Amy: I met a friend about five years ago at an event. We live far apart and see each other about once a year.
When I received an invitation to her wedding, I noticed that she had omitted the last letter of my last name, which ends in a double letter, so it’s not an uncommon mistake.
Sure enough, subsequent correspondence all bore the same mistake, so she clearly thinks she’s spelling it right.
I’ve only become aware of her mistake in the past year.
How can I nicely and tactfully correct her without embarrassing either of us? — Awkward
Dear Awkward: The next time you write to your friend (after the wedding), tell her, “I noticed that my last name was being misspelled on the wedding correspondence. It’s no big deal because it happens all the time, but the correct spelling is: Mandell (with two L’s). You know how it is — my mom comes after me if I don’t correct it.”
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