DEAR ABBY: When I go to someone's home for dinner, I often take a dessert or beverage for everyone to enjoy, being careful not to "outdo" my host. I would never, for example, bring an entree.
I recently met a young lady who always brings not only an entree, but also a side and one or two desserts to our host's home, and this seems to be causing a bit of tension with our host. Am I wrong in believing this young lady is being rude? -- A GOOD GUEST IN TEXAS
DEAR GOOD GUEST: When invited to someone's home for dinner, it is appropriate to ask, "May I bring something?" If the answer is yes, then you should bring what the host asks for. If the answer is "Just bring yourself," it is considered good manners to bring a small gift such as candy, an assortment of nuts or a bottle of wine if you know your hosts imbibe.
It is not appropriate to bring an entree, sides or a dessert that has not been requested. Are you sure the young lady you mentioned wasn't asked to do what she did?