Matt stared at Joe. “What’s the difference between politeness and tact?”
“Well, Matt, let’s say you bump into a woman who’s coming out of the men’s room. If you say ‘Excuse me, ma’am,’ that’s polite. If you say, ‘Excuse me, sir,’ that’s tactful.
“Yeah, Joe, but what if you intuit that the woman you bump into self-identifies as a man?”
“That’s easy. Just say ‘excuse me.’”
Matt drained his schooner. “Okay, Joe, but is that politeness or tact?”
“Who gives a shit.”
“Jeez, I’m glad I’m not you, man.”
“Right back at ya’, pal.”