Miss Manners Archives

Not Acknowledging Generosity May Lead to Its Demise

December 30, 2014

Unexpected Visitors May Get What They Deserve

December 28, 2014

Here's One Family That Made Christmas Fun

December 25, 2014

A Shrug Instead of an Answer Is Sign of Disrespect

December 23, 2014

Throw a Big Party, but Don't Make It About You

December 21, 2014

Canceled Baby Shower Requires Personal Calls to Explain

December 18, 2014

Actual Phone Conversations Are Irritating for Some

December 16, 2014

Exchanging Shopping Lists Is Not Thoughtful Giving

December 14, 2014

Wedding Cake Topper Is Not the Place for MacAbre Humor

December 11, 2014

Niece Who Did the Right Thing Is Accused of Doing Wrong

December 09, 2014

Invitation to Black Tie Gala Is Missing Guest's Wife

December 07, 2014

Sometimes Cruel Remarks Aren't Worth Addressing

December 04, 2014

There's Nothing Wrong With Having a Look Around

December 02, 2014

Those Who Like to Entertain Should Keep It Up

November 30, 2014

Some Guests Think 'off-Limits' Applies to Others

November 27, 2014

Blanket Texts to Contacts May Reveal More Than You Want

November 25, 2014

Regardless of His Age, He's Still Your Fiance

November 23, 2014

Leave Spoon on the Table, Not in the Glass

November 20, 2014

Instant Responses Are Not Always Possible

November 18, 2014

Thanksgiving Dress Code Deserves Tongue-in-Cheek Response

November 16, 2014

Mom Belittles Claim of Cousins' Family Resemblance

November 13, 2014

Private Conversations in Public Spaces Can Be Risky

November 11, 2014

Host Will Give Thanks for Guests Who Bring No Food

November 09, 2014

Details of Couple's Pregnancy Don't Require Explanation

November 06, 2014

It's Time to Say No to Friend Who Makes and Breaks Plans

November 04, 2014

Beware the Invitation With Hidden Agenda

November 02, 2014

Men's Facial Hair Appears for Variety of Reasons

October 30, 2014

Good Manners Don't Require Catering to Prejudices of Others

October 28, 2014

Young Lady Walks Away From Lewd Men on the Street

October 26, 2014

Distracted Conversations Make Phone Calls Mostly Annoying

October 23, 2014

The Less Said About Bathroom Reading Material, the Better

October 21, 2014

Vacation Photos on Social Media Can Be Safely Ignored

October 19, 2014

Gifts Still Keep Pouring in at Mom's Third Baby Shower

October 16, 2014

Funerals Bring Up Confusing Questions of Etiquette

October 14, 2014

Too Much Generosity Can Be Seen as Insulting

October 12, 2014

Bulimic Friend Does Not Need Friendly Confrontation

October 09, 2014

Statute of Limitations Has Run Out on This Thank-You Note

October 07, 2014

Mildly Lewd Remark Best Met With Mildly Sarcastic Rejoinder

October 05, 2014

Son's Potty Training Is Not Exactly Entertainment

October 02, 2014

Tell It Like It Is Only if Your Intention Is for the Good

September 30, 2014

'You Guys' Is Not Appropriate for Mixed Audience

September 28, 2014

Mom Who's Not on Facebook Finds She's Missing Out

September 25, 2014

Adults Who Try to Be Cool Usually Come Across as Not

September 23, 2014

It's Not a Good Idea to Get Engaged Before Getting Divorced

September 21, 2014

Opinions on Social Media Are Sure to Be Challenged

September 18, 2014

Foster Dialogue on a Blog by Welcoming Those Who Disagree

September 16, 2014

Men, Let the Gloves Come Off Before You Shake Hands

September 14, 2014

Ex-Wife Strengthens Her Position by Staying Above It All

September 11, 2014

Traffic Laws Take Precedence Over Attempt to Drive Politely

September 09, 2014

Precedence for the Aging Is No Reason to Take Offense

September 07, 2014

Give New Parents a Pass When It Comes to Birth Announcement

September 04, 2014

Avoid the Temptation to Put Neighbors in Their Place

September 02, 2014

Silent Treatment Is Justified in Cases of Bad Behavior

August 31, 2014

What Bridesmaid Wears Under Her Dress Is Her Own Business

August 28, 2014

Big Friends Need Big Chairs

August 26, 2014

Let Your Guests Know Beforehand When Dinner Will Be Served

August 24, 2014

Mother Appears to Take Offense When Son Gets Complimented

August 21, 2014

Restaurant Wait Staff Are There to Serve, Not Embrace

August 19, 2014

Nosy Inquiries About Leg Scars Deserve Joking Response

August 17, 2014

The 'Other Woman' Wants to Become No. 1

August 14, 2014

Sickness Doesn't Absolve Host From Acting Graciously

August 12, 2014

Doctor Can Deflect Cocktail Chatter About Health Care

August 10, 2014

Child's Best Friend Is Parents' Nightmare

August 07, 2014

Turn the Tables on Relative's Jocular Threat

August 05, 2014

Two Dads Are Hesitant to Attend Mom's Night Out

August 03, 2014

Picky Eater Is Weary of Family's Harassment

July 31, 2014

Soliciting for Charity Is Not the Purpose of a Funeral

July 29, 2014

Using the Wrong Silverware Is Not the End of the World

July 27, 2014

No Excuse Is Necessary for Declining Sales Party Invitation

July 24, 2014

Online Status Update: Leave Me Alone!

July 22, 2014

Presents Big and Small All Require Acknowledgment

July 20, 2014

Disposing of Soiled Diaper Is Not Hostess's Duty

July 17, 2014

Correct Your Own Email Typos, but Not Those of Others

July 15, 2014

Solicit Cash for Kids Only if You Would Return the Favor

July 13, 2014

Gift Isn't Necessary if You've Been Urged Not to Give

July 10, 2014

Barn-Raising Party Requires a Particular Kind of Guest

July 08, 2014

Ignoring Wedding Dress Code Shows Disrepect for Hosts

July 06, 2014

Don't Give Compliments to Those Who Can't Accept Them

July 03, 2014

Canceled Invitation Gets Lost in Casual Online Use

July 01, 2014

Friendship Based on Bickering Seems to Work for Both Sides

June 29, 2014

Sticky-Note Sentiment Is Not Worth the Worry

June 26, 2014

Accusation Deserves a Response but Not an Answer

June 24, 2014

Courtship Took a Long Time in Jane Austen's Day

June 22, 2014

Escape Racist Friends by Making New Ones

June 19, 2014

Workplace Treats Aren't Worth the Accompanying Insults

June 17, 2014

Expect Public Comments When Private News Is Announced

June 15, 2014

Nicknames for Baby Are Beyond Mother's Control

June 12, 2014

Host's Alcohol Prohibition Is Thwarted by Her Guests

June 10, 2014

No Matter How You Phrase It, Offer Your Thanks Sincerely

June 08, 2014

Fishing for an Invitation Requires the Right Bait

June 05, 2014

Expressing Sympathy Online May Come Off as Insincere

June 03, 2014

Graduation Cake Is to Be Eaten, Not Reserved

June 01, 2014

Souvenirs From Previous Boyfriend Are Better Left Unused

May 29, 2014

Online Sportsmanship Requires a Gracious Winner

May 27, 2014

Opting Out of Social Media Is Not Being Anti-Social

May 25, 2014

Smartphone Spy App Is to Be Used Only for Kids

May 22, 2014

Thank-You for Questionable Gift Can Be Subtle Reproof

May 20, 2014

Baby May Have Final Say in What to Call Grandma

May 18, 2014

Memo to Post in Locker Room: Get Dressed!

May 15, 2014

Wife Would Like to Say Goodbye to Husband's Hellos

May 13, 2014

Some Mamas Prefer 'Ma'am'

May 11, 2014

A Horse Is a Horse, of Course, of Course

May 08, 2014

'Serious' Relationship Can Take a Break From Texting

May 06, 2014

What Goes Around, Comes Around -- Even With Hair

May 04, 2014

Inquiring Minds Should Keep It Simple

May 01, 2014

Don't Post Anything That Might Offend a Future Boss

April 29, 2014

Hats Send a Message, Regardless of the Sun

April 27, 2014

Declining an Invitation Doesn't Require a Lecture

April 24, 2014

Doorman Duty Can Be Handed Off to Others

April 22, 2014

Finesse Nosy Strangers With Thank-You and Then Move On

April 20, 2014

Gift of DNA Swab Kits Is Relatively Unwelcome

April 17, 2014

Pushy Person in Cashier Line Deserves Gentle Verbal Shove

April 15, 2014

Change the Subject to Silence Dinner Party Boor

April 13, 2014

What Came First, the Muffin or the Egg?

April 10, 2014

Daughter's Uninvited Guest Puts Host in Awkward Position

April 08, 2014

Strong-Arm Selling Tactics Shouldn't Come From Little Girls

April 06, 2014

Visit That Ends in Ambulance Ride Needs No Special Card

April 03, 2014

'American Commoner' Is a Contradiction in Terms

April 01, 2014

Baby Announcement Is Not a Command to Purchase Supplies

March 30, 2014

You Can Eat Your Food as Well as Admire It

March 27, 2014

Scolding Boss Should Be Confronted in Private

March 25, 2014

Reading Is Rude in the Company of Others

March 23, 2014

Take Comfort That This Linen Puzzle Has Been Solved

March 20, 2014

Support Your Country by Not Being Rude

March 18, 2014

Crank Letters Need No Response

March 16, 2014

Food Not to Your Liking Doesn't Need to Be Announced

March 13, 2014

Canceling Invitation Requires Contacting All Invited Guests

March 11, 2014

Dismissing Online Date Takes the Right Timing

March 09, 2014

Let the Bringer of Children Beware

March 06, 2014

New Twist on Candid Camera Feels Like an Assault

March 04, 2014

No Need to Waste Time and Good Wine on Boorish Neighbors

March 02, 2014

Actor Pursuing Career Wants to Decline Wedding Role

February 27, 2014

Pregnancy Is Mom's Alone; Child Rearing Is Shared

February 25, 2014

Loud Chatter at Coffee Shops Is Not Easy to Silence

February 23, 2014

Moms in Kids' Play Group Have Different Views on Illness

February 20, 2014

Future Grandchild Is Worth Chilly Reception at Shower

February 18, 2014

Make Sure Your Facebook Friends Really Want to Share

February 16, 2014

Friend's Texts With Fiance Should Be Left Well Enough Alone

February 13, 2014

Dinner Invitation Is Accepted on Host's Terms, Not Guest's

February 11, 2014

'Yours Truly' Is Not an Expression of Love

February 09, 2014

Announcement of Baby's Sex Is Not Occasion for a Party

February 06, 2014

Host With Good Attitude Trumps Bad Guest Manners

February 04, 2014

Office Ladies' Room Doesn't Need a Bathroom Monitor

February 02, 2014

Apologize for Offensive Remark With Judicious Editing

January 30, 2014

No Gifts Policy at Work Avoids Awkward Situations

January 28, 2014

Offer to Cook Healthy Meals Should Avoid the Word 'Diet'

January 26, 2014

Texting May Solve Problem of Voicemails That Go Unheard

January 23, 2014

Friend Who Drops by Unannounced Should No Longer Have a Key

January 21, 2014

Survey Weary Customer Wants to Make It Stop

January 19, 2014

Mass Emails May Be Returned Without Regret

January 16, 2014

Money Talks in Business World, So Feel Free to Discuss It

January 14, 2014

Loathing for Son's Girlfriend Must Give Way to Acceptance

January 12, 2014

Woman Wants to Rain on Possible Baby Shower

January 09, 2014

Feel Free to Talk During Concert Applause

January 07, 2014

Aunt Plans to Child Proof Her Home by Not Inviting Children

January 05, 2014

Parties for Toddlers Can Be Appropriately Low-Key

January 02, 2014