Archives

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I did not send Christmas cards in December; however, I purchased New Year's cards, which I have not sent as of yet. When is it too late to send friends New Year's Cards?... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am sorry for never saying "thank you" to my family and want to apologize, but I am not sure how to go about doing it.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: At what size table is it appropriate for guests to have conversations with the people sitting next to them, and when should a host/hostess expect that the entire table will particip... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Over the holidays, we will host several good friends for dinner and two acquaintances whom we would like to get to know better. While my dining table comfortably seats eight with re... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am trying to collect a set of silverware, and I'm still confused because the names of pieces are not always the same. I keep seeing a "place" spoon (and occasionally a "place" for... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I gave a relative a pot of poinsettia as a hostess gift, thinking it was festive and appropriate for a holiday visit. The hostess received it saying "Thanks, isn't this poisonous?"... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: The invitation to my office holiday party just arrived and I'm fuming. The invite says that I should bring "a spouse, significant other or date." Is it acceptable for the hosts to s... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: On two occasions, now, I have made the acquaintance of someone who had spent time in prison. One person admitted the fact right upfront upon our meeting. On the other occasion, the ... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a female cousin who was married this past summer. She married another woman in Canada and moved back here to the States. I was wondering how to address her Christmas card thi... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have just started law school, where professionalism is part of the education. At this point, I would be grateful just for respect and common courtesy.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been hiking a certain trail for many years. The first half-mile or so is smooth and flat, so it's not uncommon to find beginners and nonhikers out for a stroll. There is one ... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am new to the symphony scene, but love it. I have tickets to a Christmas theme coming up, so I am at a loss as to when to stand for the Handel's Messiah piece. At the beginning, d... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Very often, when making a purchase with our credit card, we are asked by the sales associate to show a picture ID. This is something we find highly offensive, as it is basically a r... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What would be the tactful way to say "no presents but a money tree" for a birthday party?... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Urgent before Thanksgiving: I just bought a beautiful soup tureen, but am ignorant of how to serve from it. Does it go on the dining room table, in front of the hostess' place? On t... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: For several years, my significant other has said that, when a group of people are dining together, the conversation is foremost.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Many times, I will find myself in a group of people including a very young child or a very elderly person.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Receiving a citation from a law enforcement officer, in person, is generally a very unpleasant surprise (for example, when being stopped for speeding). However, at the conclusion of... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am appalled by a Thanksgiving invitation I just received from my brother's wife's mother. I actually did not receive an invitation at all, but a demand to bring three bottles of w... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: As a teacher, I am legally required to report abuse, if there is reasonable evidence of it. I was recently at my boyfriend's house when his elderly father, over 80 years old, told o... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We are planning a wedding on a fairly tight budget. We would like to have a beer-and-wine bar but can only afford about three drinks per guest. Is it acceptable for us to provide a ... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My friend, who is from Norway, where they don't tip, had his hair cut. He offered his credit card to pay for it, and the haircutter pointed to the tip part and said he was suppose t... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I go to the grocery store several times a month. It never fails that as I'm going through checkout, the cashier will pick up one of my purchases to scan it and make a comment about ... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Before my friend and I went on a vacation along with our wives, I had bought four tickets for Sea World in Atlanta at a discounted price online. As we were approaching the aquarium,... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a senior in high school and also in theatre production class. When a cast list is posted, I don't always get the role I wanted.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I believe I already know your stance on cash requests for weddings in lieu of gifts: that it is never appropriate. This may be a new wrinkle (although no doubt you've heard and seen... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a very private person, and I believe that having good manners is important, so I work hard at being polite every day. I have had a co-worker for the last two years who keeps as... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Our neighborhood has a listserve where people discuss and post issues from yard sales to neighborhood functions. The following was posted:... more