DEAR MISS MANNERS: When talking to a friend, if you ask what they're doing for the evening and they tell you they're free, is it wrong if you invite yourself over and offer to bring something?
Someone told me I should wait to be invited to someone's house even though that someone is a friend. Please advise if I'm wrong for inviting myself.
GENTLE READER: Yes, you must wait to be invited to someone's home. If you are not just looking for a free meal or shelter, then invite the friend to your home or out somewhere for the evening.
Oh, all right. Miss Manners will tell you how to politely fish for an invitation as long as you promise never to ask directly:
After the friend says that he or she is free, suggest that you "do something together" and pause for a second to see if you are invited. If you are not, you must proceed with one of the other two plans.