DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the correct response to a critical unsolicited letter?
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I am in my 30s, and sadly have been estranged from my parents for the past few years due to abuse. I periodically receive long, scathing letters from people I've never met, and from distant family members who think I should give my parents another chance. Presumably, my parents have asked them to send these letters, as they contain many misperceptions about the situation.
What is the etiquette here? I do not think it is appropriate to discuss the situation with them, and my first inclination is to not respond. But I also want to do the right thing. Most of these letters come from members of an older generation, who may care more about etiquette.
Do proper manners require you to respond to every letter you receive? Or are there some situations that supersede the rules?
GENTLE READER: Members of a generation who care more about etiquette would not write rude, impertinent letters in the first place.
Miss Manners assures you that you do not need to answer. But if you are worried about fueling the feud further, you may write back a curt, "Thank you for the advice. I hope you are well."
That this is perfectly polite, but might make them madder, is a bonus.