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).

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

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 ...

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 ...

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?

For decades, my group of friends has gotten together at restaurants, but we each pay our own checks. Is there anything wrong ...

I have a number of friends I regularly meet for meals out, as well as for friends’ birthdays. We’ ve been friends for going on 40 years and first began socializing after college, when all of us were ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a number of friends I regularly meet for meals out, as well as for friends’ birthdays. We’ve been ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m wondering how to address my 10-year-old granddaughter when she says things that are unkind to me. She has a habit of putting down her younger brother (saying he’s stupid ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have some friends who live eight hours away, and they have been after us for the past few years to visit. A few weeks ago, we made the drive to see them and stayed two nights.

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 ...