DEAR ABBY: My family and I were watching a popular annual awards show recently. Like most of these, this one included an "In Memoriam" segment in which was featured a slideshow of the photos and names of people from the field who had died during the year.
The segment was well done and very meaningful. When it was over and the lights went back up, the audience clapped. My family applauded, too. That made me feel uncomfortable, so I didn't join in. What are your thoughts on applause at a memorial tribute? -- TO CLAP OR NOT TO CLAP
DEAR T.C.O.N.T.C.: Audiences clap for many reasons -- among them, a spontaneous gesture of emotion or to show appreciation. (Some may do it because everyone else is doing it.) However, in this circumstance, it is not required or prohibited. As long as the applause is sincere, I think it is appropriate.