latestApril 02, 2020

Rules for ‘Unofficial’ Remembrance Gatherings

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My partner lost a friend who was suffering from depression and mental health issues. The family of the deceased decided to have a big celebration of life later in the year.... more

March 20, 2020

Miss Manners for March 20, 2020

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I don’t mind my in-laws sending group texts when planning holidays or meeting for supper, but they take it a step too far. Twice in the last few months, they have group-texted mysel... more

February 18, 2020

Miss Manners for February 18, 2020

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I had a friend pass away suddenly. The day of his funeral will be on the birthday of our mutual close friend and his business partner.... more

April 18, 2017

Miss Manners for April 18, 2017

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Last year, a friend's brother passed, and I did not attend the viewing or funeral. Recently, another brother passed, and I would like to attend the viewing. Is this OK? I really don... more

March 19, 2017

Keep Reaching Out to Old Friend Suffering Grief From Husband's Death

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I were very close friends with a couple for many years. We moved away, but stayed in touch and, in the past few years, were able to visit. Six months ago, when we wer... more

March 12, 2017

Respect the Life of the Terminally Ill

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the correct way to address someone who has a terminal illness?... more

March 07, 2017

Companionship May Be the Best Gift for Someone Who Is Grieving

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A very dear friend of the family has passed away. He will be cremated with a memorial service in the future. I would like to do or give something to his widow, but I'm not sure what... more

February 02, 2017

All Family Members, Estranged or Not, Belong in an Obituary

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My father is very ill and will not be with us for too much longer.... more

January 17, 2017

Attendance at Events After a Death Depends on Severity and Closeness of Loss

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Many people do not feel the need to cancel parties, events, performances, games, etc., even though a close family member or friend has died. "She would have wanted the party to go o... more

December 11, 2016

Sympathy Card Is Properly Sent Before a Funeral Service, Not Brought to It

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I attended three funerals (unrelated to each other), I sent each family a sympathy card with a handwritten note immediately upon hearing of the death.... more

November 29, 2016

Stressful Funeral Service Is No Excuse for Bad Behavior l

DEAR MISS MANNERS: At my husband's memorial service, the funeral home staff seated myself (the widow), our young children (2.5 and 7 years of age), my parents and my best friend (who was there to take... more

November 24, 2016

Hedging Is Rude Response to Offer of Hospitality

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a widow who has been abandoned by my former "couple" friends and am trying to rebuild my life. Several weeks ago I invited two separate, similarly situated women whom I have re... more

September 20, 2016

Handwritten Note Still the Right Way to Express Condolence

DEAR MISS MANNERS: In this computer age, what is the proper way to send condolences, please? Text and email are immediate, but seem impersonal. Snail mail letters are personal, but delayed.... more

September 01, 2016

Sister-in-Law's False Bereavement Is Better Left Unremarked

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My sister-in-law attended my mother's funeral visitation as one of the first to arrive and the last to leave (a 2 1/2-hour stay). She had met my mother only a few times and knew ver... more

August 25, 2016

Accept Sympathy With Grace, Even if Grief Is Long Resolved

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I mentioned to a new acquaintance that my mother died 25 years ago, she said, "I'm sorry."... more

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