DEAR ABBY: I have received an invitation to a graduation party and a note was enclosed. It read:
"If I don't hear from you by the 25th, I will not be able to include you. This invitation is for those addressed, and no one else. Seating is limited. Please do not ask for 'to go' containers, as all the food will be going home with us. This is a very special day for 'Mary' and a lot of planning has gone into it. There may be people you would rather not see or talk to, but please remember it is about 'Mary' that day and no one else. If any of this makes you uncomfortable, please do not feel it necessary to attend."
What do you think of this, Abby? -- STUNNED IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR STUNNED: It appears this family has many members who are clueless about basic good manners -- and that includes the person who sent the invitation. Obviously, these people have been taken advantage of in the past and are trying to prevent it from happening again. Because you have it in writing that if "any of this" makes you uncomfortable you are free not to attend, I think you should take the person at his or her word and stay home.