Ask Melissa - Our Etiquette Savvy Mom

-Justine

First off, don’t be mortified for yourself…be mortified for this woman and her indiscretion! I am sure by now, she has realized the error of her cliquey ways and must be quite embarrassed. Whether she was just trying to make herself seem “cool” by sending your email with nasty comments along to her friend or was just being catty, don’t let it get to you too much. Many have been guilty of sending something inappropriate or unintended to the wrong person at some point in our email life. It is mortifying and a great way to learn a lesson! And, this is why I think email (as wonderful as it is) can be quite dangerous and cause problems, if used incorrectly.

I would contact the mother via email (so she can save face) and act as if nothing happened. By doing this, you are being kind and generous, not to mention that you are trying to NOT embarrass her further (if she even realizes what she did). By acting as if nothing happened, you can avoid hard feelings and keep your daughter’s friendship going. Simply send another email, keeping it light, and ask if her daughter is available to come over on a certain date. If this woman had noticed that you were cc’d on that email, she will be very appreciative of your generosity in not bringing it up and will most likely see you in a very different light. It is a credit to you for being the bigger person and not rubbing her oopsie in her face. Let it go and continue on. If anything, incidents like this are wonderful reminders to be very careful of how we use email and what we choose to forward on to others.