Better than Cotillion

Student: "Hi.  You look tired."

Me: "You always say that."

"You always look tired."

"It's impolite, did you know that?  It's impolite to tell somebody they look tired."

"It is?"

"Yes.  And I'm not offended by it, but I want you to know, in case it comes up again, just don't say anything."

"So what should I say?"

"How about start with, 'Hi' and work from there."

"I did!"

"I know, but here's the thing: you're not my peer.  If at some point in the future you say that to your boss or something, then the next thing you know, somebody's like 'Oh, she's rude, we should fire her.'"

Then her chin starts to wobble.

"Ok."

"Ok."