DEAR ABBY: Several members of our family, when they come to our home for a visit, immediately take over the seating in the living room and begin to knit, crochet, etc. It's annoying and off-putting. It makes me feel excluded.
When it's just family, I put aside my feelings and focus on other family members. However, we recently hosted a gathering that included neighbors and friends. Those relatives sat in a little huddle, in the middle of the room, talking only among themselves. I was embarrassed. Several people commented to me about the "sewing circle."
I had hoped that since this wasn't just a family gathering, they would have had enough manners to leave their needles at home and socialize with the other guests. I'm so mad I'm on the verge of no longer inviting them, but I don't really want to do that. Any suggestions? -- FUMING IN NEW ENGLAND
DEAR FUMING: I agree that the "sewing circle's" behavior was rude. Your relatives should have made the effort to mingle and converse with the other guests, if only for a little while. If you haven't told them how their behavior reflected on them, you should. At least they would then understand why they may no longer be invited when you entertain.