DEAR MISS MANNERS: I just hosted my book club in my home. A member who had never been in my home before whipped out her iPhone and started taking pictures of my artwork, furniture and knickknacks.
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She is a nice person, and I don't own any Leonardos, but it felt like she was planning a heist. Is this photo-snapping acceptable? It felt creepy to me.
GENTLE READER: A generous interpretation, Miss Manners supposes, would be that your guest was admiring your taste. But if you found the photo-taking creepy, you could have said, “I’d be happy to tell you the history of these pieces or share information on where to get some of them, but I don’t want any photographs taken. If a home design magazine or auction house comes calling, then we can talk.”
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)