Archives

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My wife’s best friend from high school, "Nelly," has become a very successful businesswoman. Each year, she will invite us to the fall fundraiser for the local performing arts socie... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a strong moral requirement not to lie, which has led me to reflect on the role of full truthfulness in good manners. I often observe people giving false reasons or intentiona... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have taken note of repeat inquiries about how to deal with not being invited to a wedding -- presumably, though not always in so many words, without being a jerk in return.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I run a shop from my house. It’s mostly online, but occasionally I have customers make an appointment to visit “in store.” Many of them will just text “I’m here” from their parked c... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I were hosting a casual dinner party in our home for two couples we like very much. One couple brought their two children, who get along well with my two children.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: The opportunity to work remotely has offered many individuals the freedom to engage in work-related activities not only at home, but also in public places such as libraries and cafe... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Two months ago, my parents asked if they could stay with my fiancee and me for a few nights. (They live in a different part of the country.) After checking with my fiancee, we agree... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a 67-year-old man who works out regularly at a gym. The gym is open 24/7, and members have a key fob to enter since it is not always staffed.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have friends who seem to think every little milestone should be celebrated like a small wedding. They hold celebrations and attach a wish list, sometimes with hundreds of gift id... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the proper etiquette for disembarking a plane when the aisles are full and someone's bag is several rows behind them?... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend from college works in Europe now and asked to stay with me for 10 days when he was here visiting. I made sure he had fresh towels every day.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I are frequently invited to another couple’s parties. We are all gay, male seniors.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a lifelong nonsmoker and naturally do not permit anyone to light up in my home or in my car. No exceptions. But when I’m a passenger in a vehicle driven by a friend who smokes,... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am currently staying with a family friend and her husband for a few days while visiting my hometown. The husband clearly isn’t happy with me staying here, so I have not interacted... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My dog is a great conversation starter. Strangers who stop to admire him will often share a story or two about their own pets, or their own memories of dogs they’ve known.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Last summer, I attended a barbecue with my husband’s co-workers and their families. I was introduced to a co-worker’s wife, who was wearing a T-shirt commemorating her close relativ... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My spouse and I are friends with a couple, one of whom is in a band. This band put on a show at a local restaurant, and we went to show support.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: This time of year, it often rains in the afternoon, and so I carry an umbrella with me. However, many people do not.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Lately it has seemed that the phrases “We’re pregnant” and “They’re pregnant” have been subsumed into acceptable usage.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was invited by a friend who works in our state’s governor’s office to attend a college football game in the university president’s box. This is a nationally recognized university,... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have a longtime friend, and now neighbor, who cannot consume food orally due to extensive cancer surgeries and treatments years ago. They can consume very limited quantities of l... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I travel frequently, and I have noticed that airports are reducing the number of seats at the gates. I will arrive at the gate more than an hour before boarding, only to find all th... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How do I kindly tell my sister that her son’s texts to the family are annoying?... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m a member of several organizations. Frequently I’ve sent updates or comments to the leaders of these groups, who then forward my email to everyone with their reply.... more