DEAR ABBY: Is it poor manners for people to leave an event, concert, show or graduation before the final piece is played or spoken because they want to avoid the crowd or traffic at the conclusion?
It annoys me, and I'd like to know if my view is justified. -- ANNOYED IN MARYLAND
DEAR ANNOYED: If someone has paid admission to an event, concert or show and wishes to leave before the end, it is his/her privilege (or loss, depending on how you view it). However, in the case of a graduation or other ceremony in which people are being honored, good manners dictate that attendees stay until the last honor is bestowed and the last achievement is recognized.