Did Mom Teach You How To...

Lifetime magazine has a monthly column called "What My Mom Forgot to Teach Me." It's practical advice on how to become an expert at just about anything. The topics can be anything from "how to keep your leather shoes looking like new" to "how to say you're sorry when you hurt someone's feelings."

Executive editor Pamela O'Brien visited The Early Show to offer advice on such topics as: how to get off the phone politely, what to bring when you are invited to a friend's house and more.

How To Get Off The Phone Politely

• Be friendly. Say, "Time flies when the gossip's good, but I'd better get going." Or "Let's catch up next week." This lets the person know you value time with her and that you're only trying to end the call -- not the relationship.
• Be artfully vague. If you explain exactly why you need to get off the phone, it will only give the other person more fuel for talking. For example, if you say "I need to fix dinner," she might ask, "Oh, what are you making?" Instead, say, "I didn't know it was so late. I've got to go! Talk with you again soon!" Your sense of urgency won't leave time for follow-up questions.
• Be clever. When call waiting beeps with someone trying to sell you something, get back on with your friend and tell her "Sorry, I've got to take that call."

• Dinner: Flowers precut and in vase, wine that's already chilled--or even better, cooling in a beautiful ice bucket. A dessert, on a plate, ready for serving.
• Party: Something that plays up the theme: margarita glasses for a Mexican fiesta, decorative chopsticks for a sushi supper, tongs and sauce for a barbecue. If there is no party theme, candles or a box of elegant chocolates are always in good taste
• Overnight Stay: A gift certificate for a wine shop or bookstore, a framed photo of you and your friend, homemade food like peanut brittle or marmalade accompanied by a handwritten recipe card or bath salts and soaps.

• Respond Immediately: It's important to reply as soon as possible so the host can keep a head count and know how many people to plan for.
• Don't Over-Explain: There is no need to include the reason you can't attend. Simply send your regrets and offer your thanks for being invited.
• Sample response: Mr. and Mrs. Richard Brown regret that they are unable to accept Mr. and Mrs. John Huntington Smith's kind invitation.
• Feel free to add a personal note after the formal response.

• Use nice stationary: Everyone loves to get a thank-you note, especially when it's written on beautiful paper. Quality stationary reinforces how much you appreciate someone's kindness.
• Keep it short and sweet: Many people put off thank-you notes because they feel they have to go on and on. It's best to stick to your point of thanks. That will get your message of gratitude across clearly.
• Mention the gift: Don't forget to include the specific item or act of kindness you are thanking them for.
• Make it Personal: Describe how you plan to use the gift or how you benefited from their actions.
• End with Thanks: Closing sentences should repeat your gratitude.
• Sample: Dear Aunt Katherine, Thank you for the beautiful sweater. It's my favorite color and the style will look great with my new fall wardrobe. I hope to see you again soon. Thanks again for thinking of me on my birthday. Love, Pam

• It's okay to be vague. Example: Your mother-in-law asks: "When are you going to have another baby?" You respond: "As soon as I sprout two more arms to change diapers." That tells her, in a smart but non-hurtful way, that this is something between you and your partner, not you and your mother-in-law.
• Just say no. Example: Your friend asks, "How often do you and Tim have sex?" You make it clear in no uncertain terms that you're not going to answer and there's no point in prying: "You know, Sue, that's just something I'm not comfortable talking about." Or, give a quick, witty response that will put her in her place: "Two, three times a day. Don't you?"