Miss Manners knows that she is creating trouble for herself in suggesting that one choose one’s battles -- that infractions such as you describe are not worth getting into public fights with strangers ...

I hosted a dinner party for 20 guests. Since a few of them smoke, I had arranged a separate room to function as a smoking ...

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, gentlereader@missmanners.com; ...

Why are they heaping praise upon my head for doing something that needs to be done? What would be the alternative, in their eyes?

Miss Manners, I am none of these things. I take care of her because she needs someone to take care of her. Period. When people praise me like this, what I hear is, “I’m so glad I’m not in your shoes.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My adult daughters learned etiquette from me. It was passed down from my mother. Somewhere along the line, the old etiquette has been forgotten and new manners have been invented by ...

Miss Manners: I was publicly shamed by the groom for what I said at the rehearsal dinner Miss Manners: Her tedious phone calls are annoying. What she did to her cats is horrible. Miss Manners: Dinner ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I don’t know how to respond when meeting a friend and they exclaim, upon seeing me, “You’re all gussied up!” I don’t take it as a compliment. Somehow it sounds like a put-down. I ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I realize it’s an unpleasant world with unpleasant people who are going to say unpleasant things. But sometimes, you have to get down on their level in order for them to get the ...

Dear Miss Manners: I realize it’s an unpleasant world with unpleasant people who are going to say unpleasant things. But sometimes, you have to get down on their level in order for them to get the ...

Dear Miss Manners: I realize it’s an unpleasant world with unpleasant people who are going to say unpleasant things. But sometimes, you have to get down on their level in order for them to get the ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a widow with many acquaintances and activities. I am physically and verbally affectionate with family members and close friends, and am generous with hugs and “I love yous.” A ...