DEAR ABBY: When did it become acceptable to ask for a doggie bag after an elegant dinner in a friend's home? I'm known as an excellent cook. I entertained eight guests in my home last night and served expensive meat, an accompanying salad, vegetables and a great dessert. They wanted the leftovers! I thought if they had the nerve to ask, they were welcome to the goodies. Would you? -- HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST
DEAR HOSTESS: Would I what? Ask for the leftovers or give them? To ask for leftovers in someone's home is rude, and I wouldn't do it -- although some hosts do offer them to their guests. If you preferred to keep the leftovers for yourself, you should have said no -- with a smile, of course.