DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been mortified, twice, by close friends while talking on the phone. They each told a story about another friend who repeatedly annoys them with a certain behavior. It was onl... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have a relative whom we always invite when we host dinner parties, whether it’s for a holiday or just for fun. She always replies that she’d be happy to attend.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been slowly slogging through grad school -- one course a semester -- and after four long years, I’m finally going to graduate.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: In January, I had the pleasure of attending two holiday parties. Both events were potlucks, to which I gladly contributed dishes. The hosts provided beverages like water, tea and co... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a dear friend who lived in the same city I lived in for many years. Several years ago, I moved to the other side of the continent, and she now visits me once a year for seven... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: An acquaintance of mine has taken to writing poetry. It’s awful: full of unnecessarily obscure words, commonplace observations presented as profundities, tedious self-ruminations, e... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was taught to tip generously, and I don’t mind tipping people who provide direct services: restaurant waitstaff, bellhops, spa workers, hairstylists, nail salon workers, hotel hou... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: At a restaurant, I was attempting to enjoy a meal with friends while taking in the beautiful ocean view. When I glanced to my right, I saw that the guy at the table next to us was w... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have returned to my childhood home to be with my beloved mother, whose days are numbered. What I have never told her is that she has a grandson -- I fathered a boy six years ago. ... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend gave me a gift that had obviously been recycled, possibly more than once. When I opened it, a card fell out -- dated 1995.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a neighbor, "Mr. Griffin," who is an artist. He gave one of his paintings to his next-door neighbor. Several months later, Mr. Griffin presented me with one of his paintings,... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m a terrible procrastinator. I have procrastinated sending thank-you letters for multiple years for multiple events (our wedding, my baby shower, our child’s birthday parties). Th... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Lately at social events, I often find myself trapped by people who want to share, in excruciating detail, their genetic test results.... more