DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have a circle of friends who have dinner/heavy apps then play cards together. We take turns hosting -- except one couple who never reciprocates, but enjoys the hospitality of the rest of us. As a result, some hosts have stopped inviting them. What to do?
GENTLE READER: The answer will depend upon your own position in this merry-go-round. If you are the host who no longer invites the misguided couple, you may continue not to do so. You may not counsel the others on their own invitation lists.
Similarly, if you are one of the hosts who still wishes to include the erring couple, you may keep doing so -- so long as you do not criticize those who do not.
If you are the freeloaders, Miss Manners would prefer that you reciprocate. If you choose not to, then you will have to accept without recriminations what invitations you still receive.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)