DEAR ABBY: I was sitting in a restaurant at noon, enjoying lunch with my husband. Sitting at a window table directly ahead of us was a nicely groomed older couple.
Abby, this woman whipped out her compact and a pair of tweezers and proceeded to pluck the hairs from her chin and neck! Her husband just stared off into space. Our server told us the couple are regular customers, and she does this every time she comes in.
I know some of the old rules of etiquette have relaxed in recent years, but now I've seen everything. Abby, what do you think? -- HARRIETT IN HOLLYWOOD
DEAR HARRIETT: I think the woman displayed bald indifference to common table manners. A quick lipstick application is acceptable in public; however, any procedure that lasts more than 30 seconds is a no-no and should be performed in the powder room.