You could write an essay on how fundamental courtesy transcends subculture, Jilli. Although that's not like Hecate's Blessing of the Housewarming Gift, or whatever she's hoping for,

When you return the manuscript tell her you gave all her suggestions a lot of consideration, you implemented the ones you thought would work and others, simply didn't apply.

Oh thank goodness. That's what I'll do.

Although that's not like Hecate's Blessing of the Housewarming Gift, or whatever she's hoping for

Ha! erika, I may send that phrase to my Very Wiccan PseudoSibling. He'd get a kick out of it.

thanks.

Or, Jilli, you could point out that the old-fashioned, very formal, courtesies fit in nicely with some sections of the gothy world. I mean, if a man is wearing a frock coat, he's more likely to write a thank-you note (in black ink on nice notepaper) than e-mail a "thank for the grub" message.

Jilli, you could point out that the old-fashioned, very formal, courtesies fit in nicely with some sections of the gothy world. I mean, if a man is wearing a frock coat, he's more likely to write a thank-you note (in black ink on nice notepaper) than e-mail a "thank for the grub" message.

Or that a slight bow or curtsey at handshake time can happen (while one is shaking hands, of course, it would be rude to refuse), or that many Goth men I know delight in kissing a woman friend's hand whenever they greet her.

So, perhaps a sidebar?

he he ... when I was in college there was a brief fad for hand-kissing. Lasted a week, week and a half, one spring. It was kind of fun.

when I was in college there was a brief fad for hand-kissing. Lasted a week, week and a half, one spring. It was kind of fun.

I love it, because it gives me a chance to curtsey in return. So much fun.

Or that a slight bow or curtsey at handshake time can happen (while one is shaking hands, of course, it would be rude to refuse), or that many Goth men I know delight in kissing a woman friend's hand whenever they greet her.

So, perhaps a sidebar?

Y'know, therein lies the potential hook. A return to the niceties of a past era with which current generations might be unfamiliar. That it's not necessarily a "goth" affectation, but rather a return to social niceties once appreciated. There's no sexism or condescension involved-- just a genuine politesse.

Or that a slight bow or curtsey at handshake time can happen (while one is shaking hands, of course, it would be rude to refuse), or that many Goth men I know delight in kissing a woman friend's hand whenever they greet her.

So, perhaps a sidebar?

AH-HA! I knew I could count on you people to give me some suggestions! Thank you very much.

Focus on the more elegant lifestyle angle, and how it requires more elegant behavior.