DEAR ABBY: My daughter says that if someone seasons a dish she has prepared, it is an insult to her. I say that as the hostess, she should graciously ignore it. Who is right? -- FAITHFUL READER, TATUM, TEXAS
DEAR FAITHFUL READER: If a guest seasons a dish that his/her hostess has prepared before tasting it, then I would consider the gesture to be insulting. However, if the guest has tasted it, I see nothing wrong with adding salt or pepper to accommodate that person's personal preference. Not everyone has the same taste -- and that's why salt and pepper shakers are placed on the table.