A reader recently sought advice on how to politely decline petting a neighbor’s dog without causing offense. The neighbor’s Pomeranian is known for barking frequently, sometimes without clear provocation, and although the neighbor invited interaction with the pet, the reader was uncomfortable engaging.

In response, etiquette expert Miss Manners recommended using a tactful excuse to avoid direct rejection. One suggested approach is to mention that one’s hands are dirty, which is generally understood as a reasonable deterrent to petting animals. She noted, however, that saying one’s hands were recently washed might not have the same effect, as it implies the opposite—clean hands suitable for petting.

The guidance underscores the importance of maintaining social harmony by offering a gentle, nonconfrontational reason to decline when one is not comfortable with certain social interactions, such as handling pets. This strategy aims to balance personal boundaries with neighborly courtesy.