DEAR ABBY: A friend of more than 70 years passed away out of state. When I emailed a network of acquaintances and asked about the cause of death, I got a nasty response from one of them saying my question was rude and in poor taste. Is such a question about a friend you haven't seen in many years really out of line? -- EX-KENTUCKIAN
DEAR EX-KENTUCKIAN: People are naturally curious, and no, the question isn't rude. Often people are aware that the deceased has been ailing and don't mind sharing the information. What would be in poor taste would be to ask members of the immediate family (his widow or children, for example) what killed their loved one, because discussing it in detail could be painful.