DEAR MISS MANNERS: Twice, now, I have become an accidental intruder on a couple’s proposal during my regular walking excursions (after work and on weekends).... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When friends or co-workers tell me about personal problems or physical issues they are experiencing, and I have had similar issues, I’m at a loss as to whether I should share my exp... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I just turned 43. I’ve worked hard to achieve a level of success I’m comfortable with and have taken pretty good care of myself. In short, I am happy to be exactly where I am in lif... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: While dining alone at a family-friendly restaurant a couple of days ago, I was resting my forearm on the table as I ate my salad. I grew up in a family where we were reminded to kee... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My apartment building shares a communal laundry and storage area with the building next to it. The laundry area has three washers and three dryers that you have to pay to use.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I know this may sound like a silly question, but what exactly is the proper etiquette for getting on and off an elevator? Is there even a proper way?... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a couple of friends who text me infrequently. Their texts are always things like, “You home?” “Whatcha doing?” “You busy?”... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A restaurant outside of town, which was known for pizza and wine, has reworked their menu and changed it to pricey steaks and fine dining-type items. We went to try it out, and it w... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I recently visited an elderly friend for the first time since the pandemic. Before my visit, she asked me what I would like to eat.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was helping serve the cake at a birthday party. A few dozen guests were seated throughout the main part of the house, and we were bringing cake and ice cream to their seats. The h... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m pregnant and want to have a party celebrating this new stage in life. I do not want any gifts. I do not want the burden of hosting to fall on another person. I definitely do not... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I set up a charity a few years ago to provide cultural activities for disadvantaged children. We are both retired and see this as an opportunity to give back.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend of mine is getting married and I'm over the moon for her. She’s been planning an extravagant overseas wedding for almost three years now.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I took a friend out for a nice lunch to thank her for supporting me through a hard time. At the restaurant, she looked through the entire menu and picked the least expensive dish.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Following a snowstorm, I went to clean off my car in its space in a reserved lot. An older woman who parks in the adjacent space was doing the same. As I was shoveling out my space,... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband’s old boss and his wife invited us to join a local yacht club. Ever since we joined, the wife has been bubbling with snippy comments about my grooming and hairstyle, allu... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A boy I knew in college, but was not close friends with, recently moved to my city, and we decided to meet to reconnect. He brought pastries and I served tea on my patio.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I just began a full-time grad program that is small, demanding -- and excellent. I am 73 and my cohorts are in their 30s, and I haven’t noticed any particular gap in our views nor a... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When issuing both formal invitations, such as to a wedding or dinner, as well as informal invitations, such as asking a friend to attend a movie together on the weekend, often a res... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: In my group of friends, it is common that one friend will offer to host a gathering and handle all of the food. All they ask is that people bring what they want to drink.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: As a paid member of a tennis center, I was able to bring a nonmember friend to play at an event. At that occasion, she met other members, who invited her to return in the future and... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I’m talking to someone who represents a company, I sometimes say something like, “This is the fourth time I have called you.”... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Are people oblivious, uninformed, narcissistic or just plain rude when it comes to sports etiquette? From the golf course to the gym, these outings are becoming less enjoyable.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a close friend who loves to dress up in crazy outfits. They are almost costumelike: very garish and tacky (to me, anyway), with sequins, feathers, fringe, loud colors, etc.... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been conflicted about whether to reestablish contact with a former girlfriend from college. I’m now in my late 60s; this was way back. The relationship didn’t last very long,... more
DEAR MISS MANNERS: As someone who doesn’t eat candy, I don’t know how to handle holidays like Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Easter, when co-workers and neighbors often give out small bags of candy.... more