But if they are talking pleasantries, you may smile or laugh or add something and see if it takes. There is a good chance ...

Do we have to invite them to join us at a restaurant at some point? If so, may we try to “dilute” them by inviting others?

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Because of a chronic illness, I have to go to a clinic in an urban setting three to four times per week.

At a bowling party for my 40th birthday, my dad brought his girlfriend. It didn’t take her long to try to take over the whole ...

Dad’s girlfriend showed up to the letter writer’s bowling birthday party and took over. Dear Miss Manners: For my 40th ...

No one knew what to say or how to stop her, since we don’t really even know her, and no one wanted her to be uncomfortable.

You are making trouble for Miss Manners. In a world besmirched by incivility, many people believe that etiquette -- that is, the rules of moderate restraint in the interest of community harmony ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a good friend who is the polar opposite of me on politics, religion and almost every other subject. We are cognizant of these differences, and refrain from debate or ...

GENTLE READER: Your confidence that you are not required to reciprocate in your apartment, though technically correct, ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a number of friends I regularly ... Are we violating any principles of etiquette by continuing to gather on these terms? We’re all still happy with the arrangements ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: For my 40th birthday, my sister planned a bowling party. She is very organized, and pre-entered the names of all 12 guests into the lanes (two lanes, six people at each).

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Because of a chronic illness, I have to go to a clinic in an urban setting three to four times per week.