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 ...

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

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

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?

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.

(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or ...

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).

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

Some medical facilities ban tipping because they pay parking attendants a living wage, and do not want patients with medical ...

Dear Miss Manners: My husband and I, along with a friend, pre-purchased hard-to-get opera tickets. We’ve looked forward to attending for many months. However, we just learned that our companion ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it considered necessary to write notes of sympathy about a death on cards specially designed for the purpose? I have given up on finding cards that are acceptable and instead ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My old college roommate and I were at school together about 40 years ago. Over the years, we have lost touch, but I still enjoy seeing her family in online posts. In her most ...