DEAR MISS MANNERS: I would like to know if it is polite to have a clock in the dining room.
GENTLE READER: Yes, if you use it to announce that the souffle is ready. No, if you use it to stare at when the guests have outlasted your patience.
(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.)