ArcaMax

Let them know: "You do a very tough job. I hope you will be gratified to learn that my son has completed his community service, has gone above and beyond in recognizing the impact of his actions on others, and seems to have turned his life around. He never would have gotten there without your efforts, and we are so grateful. I'm very proud to tell you that he will be graduating on time (fingers crossed) and has pre-enlisted in the Marine Corps."

If your son would like to follow up with a printed graduation announcement with his hand-written: "I made it! Thank you!" on the card, I guarantee it will be posted in the break room.

No one will think you are trolling for gifts.

Dear Amy: I have coached a college athletic team at a very large university for over three decades.

In recent years it has become common for students to interject the phrase, "Thank you for understanding" when corresponding with me via email regarding conflicts with our practice schedule.

I have found myself getting more irritated when this phrase is used. These kids seem to assume that I DO understand their situation, which is often not the case.

I also interpret it as potentially meaning: "I'm doing this whether you like it or not, so you should accept it and excuse it."

Am I being too sensitive about this? Were I to respond or write a coach, professor, employer, etc., when I was younger, I would have phrased it, "I hope you can understand and forgive my absence."

Is it a generational thing where the student is being respectful, but due to my own interpretations I am taking it disrespectfully?

-- I Don't Understand

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