Dear Ms. Demeanor: My doorman is giving me the cold shoulder post-tipping. What can I do?

By Jamie Lauren Sutton | January 9, 2013 - 10:55AM

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

My holiday tips to the building staff varied from standard to generous. I think I may have shortchanged one who absolutely gives me the creeps but who does a lot for us simply because of timing -- passing on packages, occasionally getting my kids off the school bus if it is early. I feel like he is giving me the stink-eye now.

How do I undo my possible tippling faux pas? Did I mention he skeeves me out and smells like dope on the night shift?

Sincerely,
Tipper Moar

Dear Tipper,

Tough one. As long as your gift was what would be considered standard, you should not need to do more.

However, the recepients of your generous tips may have loose lips; there is no such thing as tenant-doorman confidentiality. I think a few well-timed 20s after assistance with a particularly big package or an especially early bus may go a long way.

As an aside, has your discussed your 'skeeves' with the board?

Buck at you,
Ms. Demeanor

Ms. Demeanor is channeled by a longtime Manhattan vertical dweller and real-estate voyeur who writes under the pen name Jamie Lauren Sutton. She is here to commiserate, calm and correct. Please email your quandaries to [email protected] and put "Dear Ms. Demeanor" in the subject line.

See all of Ms. Demeanor's advice here

What happens to bad tippers

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