…Grocery store bagger: When I ask for paper bags, that doesn’t mean paper bags inserted into plastic bags. Less is more.

…Friend of a friend: I don’t mind that you called to ask if I have any really good ideas for games for your son’s birthday party. Really, I don’t. But when I send you the information, a simple ‘thanks’ would be nice.

…Brad’s boss: Thank you for taking the time to tell me that he is a good worker and pleasant to be around. Thank you.

…Insurance person who is handling the claim from when we were rear-ended: Please check to see where the 808 area code is. 5:00 a.m. is a really BAD time to catch me. I will not be nice.

…Insurance person who is handling the claim from when we were rear-ended: Be very grateful that it was my husband who picked up the phone.

…Waitress: Thank you for being so nice to my son. And for bringing an extra straw so I could share his chocolate milkshake with him.