Dear Ms. Demeanor: Our super is retiring. What's the proper etiquette?

By Jamie Lauren Sutton | March 20, 2013 - 3:34PM

Find Your Next Place

Presented by

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

Our beloved super is retiring after 25 years. What is the proper etiquette in terms of giving him a warm send-off? Do you have any gift or party tips for us?

Signed,

Farewell to Strong Arms

Dear Farewell,

How bittersweet! I absolutely love and applaud your instincts. The super is one of those people in the neighborhood (...in the neighborhood - sing it with me!) who can make or break city life.

A gracious send-off is well-deserved for a man who does all home-related things you cannot or will not do. He is the guy you call when things go bump (or squeak) in the night, the one who unclogs a toilet or helps an ex- move out (similar job description, no?).

While a get-together in the lobby (for a larger building) or someone's apartment (in a smaller building) is lovely, it is not necessary.

Having everyone in the building sign a card of thanks and congratulations is a wonderful idea. People can chip in a minimum suggested amount or more towards a gift. Depending on your super, his interests, and his retirement plans, think watches, fishing or sporting equipement, iPad, gardening supplies, etc. Or simply present him with an always-appreciated cash bonus.

Retiring minds want to know,

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

Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers.

topics: