Miss Manners by Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

Miss Manners in Advice October 27, 2020

How to Reply to Lengthy, Impersonal Emails

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have an old friend from high school, and we carry on a very cordial correspondence via email and social media. Most of our exchanges are lighthearted and brief. We are both ver... continue

Miss Manners in Advice October 26, 2020

Managing Conversation at a Distanced Party

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Please advise on how to converse in three (or more!) COVID “pods.” One couple is seated in each pod -- socially distanced, masked and alfresco -- but with no chance to circulate,... continue

Miss Manners in Advice October 24, 2020

Bailing on Gatherings During Pandemic Made Me the Bad Guy

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My partner of 25+ years has a huge local extended family. They regularly and frequently gather for holidays, birthdays and minor celebrations. The celebration population varies f... continue

Miss Manners in Advice October 23, 2020

Host’s Composure Finally Snaps

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How much rude and boorish behavior should a host tolerate from a guest before saying something? We invited some family members over for dinner whom we had not socialized with in ... continue