Covering up

I had a letter from Norfolk County council this morning, notifying me that the cost of Meals on Wheels was going up, as from today. Unreasonably short notice, which they had tried to cover up by dating the letter 30th March. Unfortunately for them, their franking machine has a clear date of 7th April, last Friday.

Now, instead of putting a false date down, if they had simply said they were sorry for the short notice, I wouldn’t mind it. They don’t even need to give a reason or an excuse.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that people are tolerant and forgiving on the whole (except newspaper journalists, who, professionally, are self-righteous and vindictive. Though I’m sure that in their private lives they are entirely charming and kind)) and if you tell them when there is a problem or you have made a mistake, they don’t mind at all and usually offer to help put it right.

This has the added advantage of giving you the reputation of honesty, so when you do need to cover up, you are more likely to get away with it.

I organise the meals on wheels delivery in the village by the way, I don’t receive it.