DEAR MISS MANNERS: When my husband travels for business, he sees nothing wrong with going to happy hour or dinner, including alcoholic drinks, with single female colleagues. And picking them up from t... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the proper action when a guest accidentally breaks an item, other than apologizing and offering to replace it?... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Would you enlighten us as to when children’s tables are appropriate?... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My neighborhood grocery store has recently begun featuring a guitar-playing singer during busier shopping times. His makeshift stage is just by the door, so one is in his field of v... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A male friend sent me a very nice Christmas card describing our friendship. It was pretty accurate; however, a very nice pair of earrings was sent along with the card.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: During the time I was with my now-ex-fiance, I treated his kids like my own and purchased small gifts for Valentine’s, birthdays, Easter, Christmas, etc. I bought his ex-wife a smal... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a longtime friend who constantly texts me with information and photos about people I don’t know, their vacations, that their planes have landed, personal marriage information... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am 50 years old and have been living with a man for more than eight years (we are both divorced). I have always had a good relationship with his mother, with no issues.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My kindergartner arrived home with a princess birthday party invite. We’re new in town, and she’s going to a small private school, so I thought this was a perfect chance to meet new... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been with my boyfriend for seven years. It seems that every time I bring up the goals in this relationship, and ask if he plans a future with me, he always has a reason why m... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have worked as a custodian at a university dorm for over 15 years. I keep a professional and friendly relationship with students and staff.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Some years ago, my now 93-year-old mother discovered a very distant relative living in her city, whom she has introduced into our family and who is usually included in family gather... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have, over the past few years, applied to a number of academic appointments in English departments across the country -- and, like an unfortunate number of people in the humanitie... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Could you speak to the etiquette of costume party dress?... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I host all holiday celebrations. This is because I have the space and the cooking skills, and for the most part, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and preparing a huge, ... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When my husband and I went to a restaurant with another couple, they ordered an appetizer of Parmesan fries in addition to their entrees. My husband and I just ordered entrees.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My supervisor came into our office today and began describing to my co-worker, who is also a friend of hers, her intimate encounter with her husband the night before, including freq... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have decorated holiday towels hanging on the racks in my guest bathroom. Having a party with 40 people. Is it correct to offer a carrier of holiday paper towels in addition?... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Earlier this year, my wife and I rejoiced in the news that, after 10 years of trying, we could expect our first child. It was only then that I began to realize how much we disagreed... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am blessed with a lovely, medium-sized vacation home, and welcome guests throughout the year. Increasingly, relatives will mention that they will be joining us over Christmas, but... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I come from a large, close family that celebrates many occasions together. For many years, our primary host was my Aunt Maureen, who, after moving to a smaller home, would host us a... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Our organization is having a holiday open house. The agency will have food, desserts, etc., for the entire organization and family members. Our smaller unit will also serve light re... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was trained, at the earliest possible age, that when exiting an elevator, my role as a male is to hold the door open in order to allow all female and elderly passengers to exit be... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Every year around this time, I find loads of people, online and off, arguing that gift cards are thoughtless gifts. I’m sick and tired of this debate and would like it to stop.... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am writing in defense of e-cards for the Christmas holiday. People say they are impersonal, but I disagree. I write everyone’s name on their email, and I write a short message to ... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A woman sat behind me at a coffeehouse, put her headphones on, and started up a very personal conversation via phone. I was working on my computer, so I had my own headphones on. Ho... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I pulled into traffic without seeing a car coming toward me from the left. Fortunately, that driver saw me and was able to avoid a collision. She blared the car horn at me in frustr... more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am about to start skipping family holiday parties. Let me explain.... more