ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the proper response when a casual acquaintance tells you that they have been diagnosed with a very serious illness?

This is a person I have no connection to or interest in getting to know better. We merely pass each other in our building while picking up the mail or going to the parking lot.

My reply, as I was ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it appropriate for my daughter-in-law to say to me, "Why don't you ask us what we want, rather than just getting something that we may not want or use?"

I was offended, because I thought gift-giving was the giver's choice. Otherwise, it feels like the recipient is just placing their order with me. Offensive!

GENTLE READER...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have achieved a small degree of social and political success in my community. Unfortunately, that is not the case for my husband.

He is a wonderful spouse and does not cheat or lie; he's not a bigot or a drunk. Still, he has no friends here where we live. We have invited many couples over for cocktails, but there is never ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A close friend planned to throw a party themed around a pop-culture phenomenon she is passionate about, but that I have no interest in (and actually quite dislike). I initially declined to attend, but when her guest list grew too large for her planned venue, I agreed to allow her to use my larger home for it.

I thought I ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Please help me with line etiquette when faced with the following scenario.

Person A enters the post office and gets behind five people in line. There is a group at the table, fussing with packages (addressing, taping, stuffing boxes, etc.). Person A finally makes it to the head of the line, but when "Next!" is called, Person ...Read more