
NYT Strands celebrates manners and good behavior in today’s puzzle
The spangram BEPOLITE ties together words like THANK, LISTEN, and APOLOGIZE.
All words reflect respectful habits and social etiquette.
It’s Tuesday again. While the second week of June has just begun, Tuesday often feels like a forgotten middle child, neither the chaotic Monday nor the hopeful Wednesday. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be celebrated. Why not add some zest to this low-key day with tacos and puzzles? Today’s New York Times Strands is the ideal mental stabilizer before your Taco Tuesday celebration.
Today’s puzzle dips its toes into proper etiquette and good manners, the small things that make life run more efficiently when shared with others. From courteous tendencies to gracious actions, it’s a soft reminder of the force of niceness in daily life.
You will notice a 6x8 grid of letters. Your challenge is to discover words about today’s theme of manners and polite behavior. When you find each word, it flashes blue. But the true treasure is the spangram, a word that runs along two borders of the grid, colored yellow. It discloses the central theme of the puzzle and links the others together.
Consider all the things you learned at the dinner table or in school. Say ‘thank you,’ don’t interrupt, share, and listen. These are the building blocks of today’s grid. Start with what seems most obvious and let your gut tell you from there.
The spangram BEPOLITE is the heartbeat of today’s puzzle. It ties together every small gesture and big principle, urging us to lead with kindness in word and action.
Here’s what you’ll uncover in today’s grid:
THANK: To express gratitude.
LISTEN: To give attention to someone speaking.
APOLOGIZE: To express regret for an error or offense.
RESPECT: To show regard and consideration.
SHARE: To divide and distribute among others.
CONSIDER: To think thoroughly and thoughtfully about others.
In a world that too often speeds by with plain decency, today’s Strands puzzle is a delightful invitation to take a deep breath and be nice. With tacos in one hand and words of politeness in the other, Tuesday no longer feels so routine. Go ahead, say thank you, pass the salsa, and figure out one more clue before dinner.