excuses for opening an envelope

[bluedolphin]

Here is the scenario...have been given an envelope with a report and introduction to someone for me from someone else.....I really want to see what has been written about me and so am looking for the best way to open the envelope have a peek and be able to hand it over without causing too much suspicion. it is a brown envelope basic business type glued down ...fitten inside are A4 sheets folded 3times....flap is very short...... can anyone help??????even an excuse like the dog got at it...or is fell into the goldfish bowl.....has anyone been in such a situation?????

[jenstar]

Can you simply go to your local newsagent/post office/stationer and buy another envelope the same? OR... If the main flap is on the long side, you might be able to very carefully open one of the short sides (VERY carefully, mind, because you don't want to crease or crumple it) and glue it shut afterwards. But if you think they'll be checking for sneaky opening then it's probably best to play it safe and do nothing at all.

[apricot]

Don't do it. Have some integrity!

[kags]

Is there any reason you shouldn't open it? What does it say on the envelope? Does it say "private and confidential", did the author specifically ask you not to open it? If you really want to read what's in it then just open it and don't make excuses.

[Kev_UK]

I'm not going to tell you to hold it over a boiling kettle so the steam dampens the glue so you can carefully peel it open.. then use some prit-stick to glue it back down. You may burn your fingers in more ways than one !!!

[smudge]

Having worked as a Company Secretary for 26 years, I find it very odd for someone to hand the report & introductory letter to you, instead of posting it to the recipient. I think this is very unprofessional.

[smudge]

P.S. I wouldn't even think of opening the letter, especially if it is not addressed to you. Try not to worry too much about the contents, as if it contained anything detrimental, I'm sure it wouldn't have been handed to you in the first place.

[secretspirit]

Can't you just open it and put it in a new envelope with a type-written label? Surely the recipient has not been told exactly what type of envelope it's in and whether it's handwritten or not etc.

[Dagman]

Oops, I opened it by mistake...sorry!

[peanut]

here is the scenario you open an envelope that is not meant for you, the intended recipient finds out and has you arrested for tampering with mail. you go to jail and since now you have nothing better to do you ask yourself if it was all worth it.

[Ashley]

LOL - excellent Dagman - couldn't have put it better. Although yeah- steam it open and manually glue it shut again. Or as many people have suggested - take the moral highground and accept it's not addressed to you. By the way - you do realise that by opening mail not addressed to you, without the correct recipients permission, you are actually performing a criminal action. You might want to consider that!

[Doolallygirl]

A steam iron does the job just as well as a kettle. Bit safer too! I know it's totally illegal but my mates mum opens all of my mates mail and my mate can't do anything about it. Would you make your own mother go to jail? It's bang out of line though. Bank statements, phone bills, love letters everything gets read by mum first.