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At a "youngsters'" luncheon the other day, several snobby prep school classmates and I -- we graduated in '66, which makes us automatic reactionaries -- chatted about the younger Millenerian generation.
We still-young persons of the male orientation, of a certain age, yet still going through puberty, were full of praise about the new generation (friends of our sons and daughters, in many cases).
Words used about this new, promising generation during our conversation: "technology-savvy,""open-minded,""inquisitive,""self-starters,""casually dressed,""communicative; "not bound by 'traditional' sexual/racial conventions"; "Hey don't be an old f--t, forget their incessant use of 'like,''uptalk' when 'say-what's-on your-mind-genius- youth, when a 'youth' opens hr/his mouth to say' something that s/he is passionate about"[passionate: JB the most obnoxious word-fabrication on the internet job applications today).
But there is one thing that pissed me off (pardon the vulgarity) about the people who will lead America into the first decades of the 21st century -- persons who supposedly wish to "reach out" to the world:
From my limited experience, these future leaders don't bother to send thank-you notes for events to which they are invited (ok, don't expect them to be handwritten; we're not living in Victorian England).
Writing (not just saying) "thank you" to the host of an accepted invitation: Is it not a minor, but important detail in human -- international -- relations? At least as of now. ...
A distinguished attorney whom I much admire revealed the following: He hosted a dinner, at an evidently over-priced restaurant for a young person interested in a law career. The bill -- which of course he could afford, given his success in his career -- was $250.00.
He never got a thank-you note/call. Nada, niente, nichevo.
I've experienced this enervating situation on several occasions, at far less expensive restaurants, with younger persons interested in "making it" in "foreign affairs" and seeking advice.
In response to their requests, I'm delighted to provide the free "advice" -- often at a luncheon in a moderately-priced restaurant where I have the honor (granted, at my insistence) to shell out for the bill (not reimbursed by anybody) -- and yet I never hear from my "guest(s)" again (need I say, Thank God! :)).
Maybe it's me. I try to be amusing, but I don't think I'm obnoxious.
I try to be polite, not bitter.
So, am not complaining. As the French say, "je constate."
P.S. Suggestion for the Foreign Service Institute, which "trains" future diplomats: Ask them: Will their career will be imperiled by not sending thank-you notes?