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

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 ...

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.

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).

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?

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

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A pair of neighbors hosted my wife and me for an impromptu dinner, to which we contributed a nice salad.

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

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I moved to a new area and adopted a large dog from a shelter. Large dogs were common where I grew up, and while some people didn’t care for dogs, very few people were scared ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a foot condition that requires me to wear orthopedic shoes. If I don’t, it’s very painful. My husband and I have a no-shoes rule in our house. I have had slippers ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My spouse and I frequently host meals for 10 to 20 guests, both personally and professionally. We have a debate over whether to put out spoons for meals when we are not serving ...