latestMay 07, 2020

Spouses Being Excluded From Work Events

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When is it considered impolite to exclude spouses from work-sponsored events?... more

April 30, 2020

Politely Declining a Work Lunch

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Due to health issues, my husband and I drastically changed our diet, with amazing results. We cook our own meals and avoid eating out, because when we do, we end up with stomach iss... more

April 25, 2020

How to Address Students’ Parents

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a teacher, and part of my job is contacting the parents or guardians of students having academic difficulties. I obtain the contact information from an internal school website.... more

April 10, 2020

Miss Manners for April 10, 2020

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Our focus in our school building is to learn people's names and call them by their correct name -- students by first name and adults by Mrs., Mr., Miss, etc.... more

April 08, 2020

Discourage a Chatty Gym Mate With a Touch of Drama

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I work out at lunchtime in the gym located in the building where I work. I’m always in a bit of a rush to get my workout done during lunch hour, and really value the time to myself ... more

March 13, 2020

Miss Manners for March 13, 2020

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How do you deal with people today who insist on dressing like slobs? I work in an office, and most of the females show up in flip-flops. If they could show up in pajamas, they would... more

March 12, 2020

Business Etiquette Rules Need to Be Clear

GENTLE READERS: Brittany is making Tyler crazy by sending him emails in ALL CAPS. Ryan’s lunches are smelly and he leaves them sitting in the microwave while he gossips with Amanda from accounting. An... more

March 05, 2020

My Boss Kept -- and Then Returned -- My Thank-you Notes

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a paralegal in a midsize law firm, where I will soon be marking my 10th anniversary. For the past few years, I have been fortunate to be given very generous bonuses and raises ... more

March 02, 2020

Barista Has Nerve To Do Job Well Without Smiling

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Since relocating two years ago, I walk two blocks to the same local coffee shop to order a morning coffee and latte for my wife and me. As I’m a recognized regular patron, I’ve come... more

February 29, 2020

Miss Manners for February 29, 2020

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a teacher looking for a polite way to respond when people tell me that “it must be nice,” in reference to not working and receiving pay for July and August.... more

February 27, 2020

Turning Down a School Without Burning a Bridge

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been accepted by two graduate schools, which is very exciting! I have already put the deposit down on one, and plan to go there since it seems it will fit my life and learnin... more

February 04, 2020

Can I Send My Regrets to All Office Parties, Forever?

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Our supervisor allows the office to fete colleagues with cake/refreshments for non-work-related life events such as pending births, nuptials and the like. Since these events are hel... more

February 01, 2020

Miss Manners for February 01, 2020

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a co-worker who, at least twice daily, asks me questions about work processes that she was trained on repeatedly. She has been doing the same job for three years, so why all ... more

January 14, 2020

Miss Manners for January 14, 2020

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am in my early 60s and have worked in my profession for over 30 years. I recently wore my hair pulled back, and a co-worker (with whom I get along) commented that my hairstyle was... more

April 30, 2019

Don’t Give Nosy Partygoers Any Material

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Occasionally I have to attend professional meetings or social activities where alcohol is served. I don’t drink due to religious considerations. I just get tea, coffee or soda.... more

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