GENTLE READER: Funny. Miss Manners is more accustomed to being asked how to stay out of beauty salon conversations, not how ...

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: For my 40th birthday, my sister planned a bowling party. She is very organized, and pre-entered the names ...

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

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).

When I had my hair done, the stylist and her assistant spent the entire time talking over my head. There was no way I could ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: For my 40th birthday, my sister planned a bowling party. She is very organized, and pre-entered the names ...

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 ...

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.

She plans to bring her annoying poodle to dinner and the opera. Her friends want to bow out. Dear Miss Manners: My husband ...

My instinct is to return the item in a little bag with a note saying it isn’t mine. But somehow that feels rude, presumptuous ...

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 ...