Miss Manners
Please come for supper, but eat first
Dear Miss Manners • Are the terms 'supper" and "dinner" synonyms? Is there a time when supper becomes a dinner or vice versa?
May 25, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Empty subway seat poses problem
Dear Miss Manners • How, if ever, should a lady offer her seat to a gentleman on public transportation? I continue to be troubled by this scenario:
May 22, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Generosity is answered with request for more
Dear Miss Manners • I teach at a very small school in a relatively close-knit society.
May 18, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Applauding while seated is not disrespectful
Dear Miss Manners • When is one obliged to join a standing ovation? My understanding is that standing ovations are reserved for truly outstanding performances, and that applause while seated will suffice as a show of appreciation for other performances. Is it rude to remain seated while others ar…
May 15, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Prom dates often attend in groups
Dear Miss Manners • My high school did not, as I recall, limit its senior prom to couples, and when I've heard of schools that do, I've always assumed that it was because of mistaken notions of what is traditional at formal dances.
May 11, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Sleeper gets view in patterned sheets
Dear Miss Manners — I have created a gentle and cordial debate about the use of top sheets: When patterned sheets are used, does the print go face up or down? Since it usually gets covered by a blanket or bedspread, it is not seen. If it gets folded back in front of the pillows, it is usually the…
May 08, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Parties, gifts not obligatory for grads
Dear Miss Manners • Are you obligated to have a graduation party for your child in order for your child to receive gifts?
May 04, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Woman OK that dad won't walk her down aisle
Dear Miss Manners • I have enjoyed being a part of my daughters' weddings, walking them down the aisle and ceremonially "giving them away" to their husbands. The next wedding involves daughter No. 3, who has been living with her husband-to-be for six years.
May 01, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Pair honored with shower won't go
Dear Miss Manners • I was invited to a shower by a group of the groom's mother's lady friends. Apparently it was close to the 'small" wedding (three weeks) and the bride and groom could not be home for the shower, as they both work in a city about five hours away.
Apr 27, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Mother's utter lack of judgment leaves stepmom aghast
Dear Miss Manners • My husband has had full custody of his daughter since the age of 3; she is now 12. Last year, for three months, the child had a trial custody change to her mother's care. The court reversed that decision after "Tammy" provided the child with drinking parties (where minors were…
Apr 24, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Unpopular cause backer needs a breather
Dear Miss Manners • I am a private person, but I have taken an unpopular public stand on a controversial issue Within my local area, I am well known for my stand on the subject.
Apr 20, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Handle relatives' remarks with grace
Dear Miss Manners — I am a young and healthy 16-year-old. Over the last few months my family and I attended a lot of family events that involved seeing long-distance relatives. My sister and I found ourselves in an awkward position when greeting relatives who would say how skinny we are. I know t…
Apr 17, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Don't announce a trip to restroom
Dear Miss Manners • I have a few friends and co-workers who, when they need to go to the restroom, feel it necessary to announce what they are going to do there ("I have to pee"), as if it makes a difference to me. I have absolutely no reason to know, but don't know how to politely tell them that…
Apr 13, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Come one, come all to your reunion
Dear Miss Manners • I am in charge of my high school class reunion, and I have just one question: Is it proper to invite former classmates who did not graduate with the rest of us?
Apr 10, 2012 | 12:00 am
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To fold or not to fold stirs debate
Dear Miss Manners • I have always been taught to leave your napkin loosely on the table when you got up or were done with your meal, as only lower classes folded their napkins. My girlfriend insists that napkins should be folded. Which is correct?
Apr 06, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Supportive partner can stand on her own
Dear Miss Manners — I accompanied my boyfriend to an inaugural ball where he had many responsibilities and was very busy. In an effort to be supportive, I would sometimes hover near him or walk around the party.
Apr 03, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Wearing a bra stirs wedding party
Dear Miss Manners • How do I tell my second cousin (the mother of the groom) that she needs to wear a bra on the wedding day?
Mar 30, 2012 | 12:00 am
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You can call out those who whisper your name
Dear Miss Manners • When people are whispering in hearing distance and you hear your name mentioned, is it acceptable to ask what it is they are talking about?
Mar 27, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Grandma's diamonds trouble brides
Dear Miss Manners — I own a small family jewelry store. On occasion, a young lady will come in with an heirloom engagement ring that her fiancé has given her.
Mar 23, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Use tact when dumping a roommate
Dear Miss Manners — I am a college freshman. This year, our roommates were selected for us; however, next year we can stay with our current roommates or select a new one. I do not care for the roommate I have now. How do I tactfully tell her that I do not intend to room with her next year without…
Mar 20, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Vet aide annoys grieving cat owner
Dear Miss Manners • I had to have my cat put down recently. Although she was quite old, her illness came on suddenly, and I was very distressed when the vet said there was nothing he could do. She wasn't in pain, so he kindly left me with her and said to take as long as I wanted to say goodbye.
Mar 16, 2012 | 12:00 am
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One surprise is enough for 50th birthday
Dear Miss Manners • I'm dating a man who has a 17- year-old son and a 19-year-old daughter. I'm planning a surprise 50th birthday party for him. I haven't informed the kids of the party yet.
Mar 13, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Rift over plates shouldn't end friendship
Dear Miss Manners • One of my elderly neighbors uses paper plates in her home because she thinks it's convenient and she doesn't want to wash dishes. I'm a staunch environmentalist at heart and always use ceramic plates in my home.
Mar 09, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Woman tries to ignore husband's ex
Dear Miss Manners — When my husband and I go to his ex-wife's home to visit his children, she likes to tell me stories of his supposed infidelities during their marriage. I don't know what to say, so I say nothing.My husband doesn't want to start trouble, so he does what she wants. How do I handl…
Mar 06, 2012 | 12:00 am
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Guests should tip household staff
Dear Miss Manners • My husband is serving as an ambassador after decades as a career diplomat, and we are posted to a lovely city that many people enjoy visiting. Therefore, we have many houseguests.
Mar 02, 2012 | 12:00 am
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