Dear miss manners uexpress. life Miss Manners for February 20, 2024.

Dear miss manners uexpress After the meal, I have come upon a problem: I don’t feel right clearing the table for able-bodied adults of equal status to me. I catch myself referring to my team as “guys,” though they’re not all male, such as “Morning, guys” or “I was talking to the guys earlier. I bought a luxury watch, car and other expensive goods, but I never wear or use them when I'm DEAR MISS MANNERS: I enjoy cooking and setting a nice table, and my spouse and I often invite several couples over for dinner. It seemed to me the president extended his hand holding the envelope, and I reached to accept it, but he instead retracted that hand and instead offered his right hand to shake. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am an introvert and only go out when I want to do so. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I don’t know what to do about my boyfriend's habit of always canceling plans. I paid because they didn’t have their wallet on them, even though they ordered most of the food for themselves. When I glanced to my right, I saw that the guy at the table next to us was wearing low-hanging shorts that revealed his butt. My mother, sister and I all live in different cities. She also tells people they can’t sit with us at lunch, because she wants her handpicked group at the table. and Mrs. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I just began a full-time grad program that is small, demanding -- and excellent. As I waited to pay, the woman in front of me (someone I do not know) turned around and said, “I read an article that said old ladies should not have long hair. We said, in our best Miss Manners voice, “Sorry. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a very stressful job. ” My friend took this to mean that the clerk thought he was a gringo showing off his bad Spanish. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have worked retail and customer service jobs for about 20 years. com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My father has passed, and we received many condolence messages, memorial donations, meal deliveries, flowers and assistance in other ways. DEAR MISS MANNERS: It’s nearing that time again: time for the ridiculous show of kindergarten "graduations. But if we get lost, that’s on you. I have expressed my reasons and told him I could not tolerate them more than once a month. When entertaining, guests congregate in both. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband’s old boss and his wife invited us to join a local yacht club. I asked for a range of dates so I could coordinate the accommodations and food. Discussing types of vacations, I expressed some concerns about cruises -- specifically the effect they have on the environment in places with fragile ecosystems. I complimented her on the setting. I frequently take calls from clients and staff while using the ladies' room. DEAR MISS MANNERS: A few years ago, I developed a gluten intolerance. After a lifetime in health care, I very much do not want to hear these details. Every day, morning and evening, the three of us take a constitutional walk, with the two of life Miss Manners for November 27, 2024. For instance, my wedding ring often needs repairs, UExpress DEAR MISS MANNERS: A Chilean friend of mine told me that he once spoke in Spanish to a store clerk, who mumbled something about “gringos. DEAR MISS MANNERS: For the past two years, we have been living behind masks as we strive to keep from spreading, and contracting, COVID-19. Later, as dinner started, I found the flowers blocking my view of the guest across from me, preventing any potential conversation. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a new acquaintance with whom I share a couple of interests and group activities. UExpress Life Parenting Home DEAR MISS MANNERS: We love hosting, and are fortunate to have a great guest space in our home. I will arrive at the gate more than an hour before boarding, only to find all the seats already taken -- except for the three holding someone's coats and pillows, or the one next to a couple with their luggage on it. Its DEAR MISS MANNERS: You’ve always advised against mixing social life with work, although I’m not sure why. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Fifteen minutes after arriving at an informal family get-together at someone’s home, a relative took a phone call. " DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m writing this on the 22nd of the month. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My neighbor and I had a heated disagreement about trick-or-treating. ” Because I’m so frequently interrogated with concerns about my self-esteem, I’m forced to the conclusion that DEAR MISS MANNERS: As the driver, how would you respond to a passenger who constantly interrupts the GPS with “better” directions? GENTLE READER: “If you know a better way, I am happy to turn off the GPS. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have an acquaintance who has been in my home a few times, even though I’ve never invited him over. For example, on television game shows, contestants add the word “please” when informing the host which category or letter they want: "E, DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I grew up, my parents told me it was never OK to discuss money -- not how much something cost, not how much you had in the bank, no life Miss Manners for February 20, 2024. DEAR MISS MANNERS: A good friend of my daughter has invited her and a plus-one to a weekend of wedding events. DEAR MISS MANNERS: We were sitting at a restaurant, perhaps talking too loudly. DEAR MISS MANNERS: At my husband’s 20-year reunion, I wrote “Sam’s wife” on my name tag. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I sent out a dinner invitation to my in-laws. by Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin. I turned the corner of the hallway that leads to the offices and saw one of my DEAR MISS MANNERS: I invited my best friend to a concert more than a month ahead of the performance. UExpress Life DEAR MISS MANNERS: There seems to be so much growing awareness about the legitimacy of mental health challenges these days. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter is at the age when she is being invited to a lot of weddings, some of which are out of town. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have an old and very dear friend. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter was recently part of a wedding party, acting as a flower girl for a relative of my ex-husband. Everyone has DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was walking in the humanities building of the university where I am a graduate student. However, I wasn’t planning to eat anything and the restaurant doesn’t have a liquor license, so I chose not to drink. Everyone seems to feel obligated to greet each other with “good morning” as they pass, which happens with such great frequency that I am distracted from my pacing and my thoughts. ” DEAR MISS MANNERS: As a single woman in my late 20s, I receive frequent unwanted "compliments" about my appearance from men, which make me uncomfortable. Ever since we joined, the wife has been bubbling with snippy comments about my grooming and hairstyle, alluding to where I may have purchased my clothing, and making numerous misguided class-oriented statements. While I am blessed that it isn’t full-blown celiac disease, I am unable to eat many everyday treats, such as the free donuts in the break room at work. We have been together for a little over three years, and when he does follow through with plans, we have a great time together. We have known each other for over 40 years, and although we live thousands of miles apart, we get together a couple of times a year. I was, I admit, slightly embarrassed to have driven so far -- like I’d made too big a deal of the event -- and I hoped no one would make a fuss over it. No exceptions. She has a job, but her budget is limited, and some of these invitations require her to pay for travel and lodging. One guest was on her phone nearly the whole time -- texting and even watching live videos that her friends posted while others were trying to have a conversation. Over the years, I have acquired several tops, sweaters and jackets imprinted with my firm’s logo. UExpress Life Parenting DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband just doesn't understand why I do not wish to hang out with his new work friend and the friend's wife. These men are either complete strangers or mere acquaintances. DEAR MISS MANNERS: A few months ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. DEAR MISS MANNERS: We often hear the word “please” spoken in a way that is misapplied. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a friend who retells the same stories over and over and over again. And now I read that the generation entering the workforce agrees with you, and is not particularly interested in having work friends. ” They left. DEAR MISS MANNERS: When closing a letter, I use the formula my grandfather habitually used: “Your Obedient Servant. Miss Manners’ best advice is to drop your compliment and keep moving. She stepped out of the room where everyone was gathered and could be heard down the hall talking for the next 45 minutes. One of her cousins responded that they were coming, but also asked what restaurant my mom likes, UExpress Life DEAR MISS MANNERS: Fifteen minutes after arriving at an informal family get-together at someone’s home, a relative took a phone call. ” I was surprised to learn that this offends some people, so thought I might vary the introduction with an occasional “the relict X. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Some people, one childhood friend in particular, seem to think I’ll be fascinated by their every health concern. DEAR MISS MANNERS: While vacationing, my husband and I took an organized, nine-hour tour with a reputable tour company. My birthday was the 9th. These days, my income is much greater than theirs. I know this friend, UExpress Life DEAR MISS MANNERS: A person I was once very close to, but who was not family, has died. Over the years, I have given out many jars -- several dozen, at least -- and have only ever had one empty jar returned. Later, a friend not present said he would have been confrontational in our shoes. I was a little taken aback and thought it was just an unconscious slip, but then this happened again with a different friend. Read the latest columns on topics such as snobbery, food, email, weddings, DEAR MISS MANNERS: Last summer, I attended a barbecue with my husband’s co-workers and their families. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My grandchildren, 10 and 7, are being taught to write thank-you notes by their lovely parents -- my son and daughter-in-law, who were also taught this when they were children. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I treated a friend to lunch, but when we entered the restaurant, she mentioned that someplace else was better. DEAR MISS MANNERS: DEAR MISS MANNERS: How should I address ChatGPT? I deal with this creation every day. DEAR MISS MANNERS: There are so many requests to give donations at the checkout line these days -- sometimes multiple times in a day! I do give to worthy causes, but I have been asked at every visit to a particular grocery store, where I DEAR MISS MANNERS: My son and his two close friends turn 30 in the same week. No “hmmm,” “interesting” or any other noncommittal word to acknowledge what the other person was talking about. DEAR MISS MANNERS: One of my in-laws will wait for a person to finish speaking, then say something on a completely different subject. DEAR MISS MANNERS: We were meeting up with longtime friends. She seems quite lonely. Oftentimes some of them, plus other friends, make the sort of comment, "You cannot quit or die (I’m 77) before I do and leave me here all alone. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ve just returned from having my hair cut and styled. A diner complained on the way out: They objected to a word that we used (not a slur, not an expletive). DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a friend who talks about plans she and I have together in front of others who are not invited. ) DEAR MISS MANNERS: I just began a full-time grad program that is small, demanding -- and excellent. If the person I’m chatting with doesn’t know my husband, UExpress DEAR MISS MANNERS: I sent out a dinner invitation to my in-laws. I give them my name, but they never use it, and continue to call me Mom. DEAR MISS MANNERS: A choral director I know is retiring from her post of many years. DEAR MISS MANNERS: When friends or co-workers tell me about personal problems or physical issues they are experiencing, and I have had similar issues, I’m at a loss as to whether I should share my experience. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Five years ago, I left a company where I was a supervisor for several years. It responds to my questions and requests in a friendly, chatty manner. UExpress Life Parenting Home DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have worked retail and customer service jobs for about 20 years. I invited them all to a luxury cabin for a family reunion. We walk to the tailgate, and then go home once the game begins. But when I’m a passenger in a vehicle driven by a friend who smokes, they will inevitably light up without asking if it’s OK. DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend gave me a gift that had obviously been recycled, possibly more than once. ” Because I’m so frequently interrogated with concerns about my self-esteem, I’m forced to the conclusion that DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I are acquainted with an older couple, and the lady often "reminds" me that I am disabled. DEAR MISS MANNERS: It used to be the bride who proclaimed that the wedding was Her Day. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have two well-behaved, medium-sized dogs. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My 10-year-old daughter has a group of four friends that she has been close with for a few years now. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Returning to the United States after several years of living in Europe, I have noticed that “athleisure” wear is acceptable everywhere, and that wearing baseball hats in restaurants (done by people of all ages, races and genders) is now OK too. I still receive calls (actually, text messages) from former employees every once in a while, requesting letters of recommendation or asking if they can put me down as a reference for a job they are applying for. Their physical presence in these small spaces impedes my ability to prepare the meal, and their attempts to engage me in conversation are distracting -- often leading to me misreading a recipe or not getting DEAR MISS MANNERS: I keep seeing letters to you, and to other advice columnists, talking about wedding invitations being gift-grabs. While I certainly have no objection to helping a good cause, it is irksome when adult friends call me, expecting a purchase on DEAR MISS MANNERS: My spouse and I frequently host meals for 10 to 20 guests, both personally and professionally. This is clearly stated in the invitation, which is appreciated. As soon as that attitude resulted in many of them being called "Bridezilla," everyone else started popping up to proclaim it Her Day (or The Couple’s Day). " DEAR MISS MANNERS: My siblings and I are all in our 60s and 70s. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a 17-year-old girl in her final year of high school. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My cousin invited me for dinner on a Sunday night and asked me to bring wine and a dessert. ” DEAR MISS MANNERS: I can a lot of our garden produce, and have branched out to create other canned goods that I like to give as gifts. It’s clear she would like to be closer friends, and she reaches out multiple times a week to get together for events that I usually decline. I had many friends, family members and colleagues send gifts, cards, emails and texts, for which I know that I am very, very lucky. We’d like to continue dating for some time before getting married for numerous reasons -- including (but not limited to) the cost, the lack of vacation days in our entry-level jobs, and commitments to attend other weddings, including my sister’s. When it became apparent because of the pandemic that she wouldn't be getting married then, she sent cards asking people to DEAR MISS MANNERS: Someone asked me to confirm something, but I don’t want to because it’s a personal matter. She has sent me a huge check to help me out with some of my family’s difficulties. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My in-laws are socially conservative and very traditional. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I attended a book launch for a friend, driving a long way to be there on her big night. Most buyers I’ve dealt with are nice, polite people. I am struggling with whether I should go to the funeral or memorial service. com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St. We have one newer person who is nice, but has one annoying quirk: She randomly inserts baby talk into the conversation. DEAR MISS MANNERS: We’ve been invited to a “catered dinner party” where the attendees have been asked to cover their portion of the catering cost. I was told that they were going to be married at city hall in their current hometown, with just their parents in attendance, and later have a big party for friends and relatives back in our home state. My friend is extremely wealthy, while I am middle-class. However, there are a few who seem interested, or even excited, about buying an item -- exchanging several back-and-forth emails with me -- but when it’s time to meet for the sale, all communication goes dead. While I enjoy writing short, personal notes in each card, I would prefer to generate address labels because I am having difficulty squeezing long names on DEAR MISS MANNERS: I can a lot of our garden produce, and have branched out to create other canned goods that I like to give as gifts. Although they help reduce contagion, masks also eliminate handy facial characteristics that help us identify people. DEAR MISS MANNERS: A young woman I’m related to became engaged this year, and the couple moved to another state. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I've known my current friends since college -- over 25 years. UExpress Life Parenting DEAR MISS MANNERS: My friend and I both have baby girls: Hers is about 6 months old, and mine is 3 months. We are fortunate to live in a picturesque neighborhood of single-family houses, and our street is popular every Oct. The 16-seat bus on which we travele life Miss Manners for March 01, 2024. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have endured too many unsatisfactory meals at restaurants, and I am ready to begin returning the food to the kitchen. Last year, three significant people in my life passed away: my best friend and two members of my immediate family. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m writing this on the 22nd of the month. One of the participants said, loudly, “For (expletive's) sake, UExpress Life Parenting Home Pets Health Astrology Oddities A-Z. Miss Manners replies that social media is not social and suggests ways to politely decline the DEAR MISS MANNERS: One expression is starting to get to me. Lastname," a formality that made me feel distant and unwelcome, especially when my parents asked my husband to call them by their first names nearly immediately. So do many others. I don’t want to deny it and lie, but neither do I want to admit it’s true, because it’s too personal. . When I opened it, a card fell out -- dated 1995. DEAR MISS MANNERS: How does a charity organization express the fact that, while a $100 fee is being charged to attend a fundraising dinner, the actual value of the meal being served is $300? UExpress Life Parenting Home Pets Health Astrology Oddities A-Z. DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I take my sons to the pediatrician or call to make an appointment, the receptionist or nurse always calls me Mom. We all live in the same community, and the girls attend the same school and do the same extracurriculars. life Miss Manners for October 21, 2024. However, my community of friends has left me to spend the holidays alone, repeatedly, despite knowing I live alone, have no family and am trying to cope with depression and anxiety. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have an older home with just one bathroom. Whenever he visits, he sleeps until around 10. , Kansas City, MO 64106. I went because the guest of honor is a dear friend. She returns the items a few months after she receives them, telling me she has no use for them or she doesn't care for the color. When I got there, she said it had been a very busy weekend and she hadn’t had In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to someone who was bothered by a comment after getting their haircut. He added that he will be bringing his boyfriend, and will require certain food accommodations because the boyfriend was just discharged from the hospital a couple of days ago after a major organ transplant surgery. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I are each attending high school reunions this year. About halfway through the event, before the toast for the guest of honor, I excused myself, as I had to pick up my daughter from a school function. ) DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have a small galley kitchen and a small adjacent breakfast nook. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Yet another Mother’s Day and birthday have come and gone with no gift from my husband. ” DEAR MISS MANNERS: When we arrive at a restaurant and we have reservations, my husband expects me/us to walk straight up to the host station (in front of all of the folks already waiting) and literally interrupt the host, who is speaking with another guest, to declare that we have a reservation. Earlier today, I was writing a test, and the teacher asked the students if we minded if she turned on the air conditioning. We have a debate over whether to put out spoons for meals when we are not serving soup. DEAR MISS MANNERS: At a dinner party, the hostess had set a lovely table with flowers and candles. I make sure that all personal products are off the counter when we have guests, but we’ve still had people snoop in the medicine cabinet and in the cupboard under the sink. I knew that only three people there knew me, and that no one else would likely remember my name the following week -- they’d all refer to me as “Sam’s wife. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My partner and I receive several invitations a year to events held by organizations to which we donate. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I moved to a new city and am lining up new physicians for me and my family. A reader asks how to deal with friends who are upset that she quit social media and does not want to hear their health concerns. I am 73 and my cohorts are in their 30s, and I haven’t noticed any particular gap in our views nor any alienation from the others. UExpress Life Parenting Home Pets Health Astrology Oddities A-Z. ” Miss Manners recommends that last part be said with at least a half-hearted attempt at humor. What’s worse, to me, is that he has done nothing to show our two little boys how to acknowledge Mommy on any special occasion. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I travel frequently, and I have noticed that airports are reducing the number of seats at the gates. (Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www. My auntie and mum had lunch on the 19th, and auntie gave my mum a birthday card to pass along to me (with a gift card inside to my favorite bakery). DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a lifelong nonsmoker and naturally do not permit anyone to light up in my home or in my car. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a number of friends I regularly meet for meals out, as well as for friends’ birthdays. He’s shown up at my door without ca life Miss Manners for October 05, 2024. At the same time, some of our “regulars” can be challenging, and I’d love your thoughts on how I can be compassionate and accommodating while also preserving my sanity. The item itself was in good shape, unused, but the box was showing a little wear. After 12 years of travel adventures, Saturday afternoons at markets, deep conversations over coffee, visiting each other several times a year (after she moved 1,000 miles away) and helping each other with projects, she started distancing herself from me. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I enjoy cooking and setting a nice table, and my spouse and I often invite several couples over for dinner. DEAR MISS MANNERS: At a restaurant, I was attempting to enjoy a meal with friends while taking in the beautiful ocean view. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have twice invited a friend to parties after asking if the dates were open for her, and she accepted each time. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter was supposed to get married in November of 2020, and had sent out "save the date" cards in advance. I believe she is simply reminding herself of my status in order to keep her acquaintances organized in her mind, but it is unkind. I was introduced to a co-worker’s wife, who was wearing a T-shirt Miss Manners answers questions about fashion, disability, divorce, religion and more. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a CPA who will be retiring in 2025 after 36 years with my employer’s firm. I am connected to my phone almost 24/7, and I take all calls regardless of my location. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Please help me politely decline when asked to purchase things for a children's fundraiser. DEAR MISS MANNERS: At a book club meeting at our local library, the conversation got slightly off topic for a short period of time. For the five years my now-husband and I dated, I was expected to refer to them as "Mr. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband recently passed away, so I am tasked with writing over 50 thank-you cards. My future daughter-in-law and the two friends’ significant others decided they would do a 30th birthday for the three guys at a bar -- where everyone can meet. She has given me a whole bunch of her little girl’s clothes -- such a high volume of items that some still had the tags on. I have noticed that several doctors introduce themselves with their titles, but address me using my first name. ” DEAR MISS MANNERS: A good friend of my daughter has invited her and a plus-one to a weekend of wedding events. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m lucky enough to work at a place where everyone generally gets along very well. My husband loves to continue to entertain guests after dessert, but I am more of an introvert and would prefer that they head home. ” Because I’m so frequently interrogated with concerns about my self-esteem, I’m forced to the conclusion that DEAR MISS MANNERS: My friend and I had an exquisite meal at a very expensive restaurant. These events are either one-on-one lunches or cocktail party-type events in recognition of the organization’s accomplishments over the past year. My brother-in-law called my husband to confirm attendance. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I love to throw dinner parties, but often our guests stay late into the evening. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My boyfriend and I have been dating for five years, and we just graduated from college a year ago. It’s like he cannot recall telling them to me before, or he just wants to re-experience them himself -- and who cares whether I have to hear them again. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I take long walks around my apartment complex every morning. She said she would have to get back to me, as it falls on her sister’s birthday weekend. My daughter’s boyfriend can’t go, and she wa life Miss Manners for October 15, 2024. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m a 28-year-old woman in a middle-management position. The board of directors is having a retirement party for her, inviting chorus members past and present, and charging $60 a ticket for the dinner. DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have some friends who regularly host a tailgate party in the parking lot of the college football stadium near our house. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I had a formal sit-down dinner for eight guests at my home. missmanners. Miss Manners begs you to respect your own declared respect for other people’s privacy. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Over the last few years, I have been introducing recently bereaved female relatives and friends as “the widow X. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I often socialize with a wide range of friends and acquaintances without my husband -- and the father of our children -- present. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I attended a surprise retirement party for a dear colleague, with approximately 20-25 people in attendance. As it's none of their business, and for privacy reasons, I typically answer with, “Though it’s a DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m wondering how to address my 10-year-old granddaughter when she says things that are unkind to me. Whenever an item is not scanning, out comes the old joke that if it doesn't scan, it’s free. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My brother-in-law just informed us, very last-minute, that he’s coming to our house for Christmas. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have sold many items locally through ads placed online. I feel that my time is my own, after retiring from a very demanding and responsible position where I was constantly working with other people to solve their problems. DEAR MISS MANNERS: There seems to be so much growing awareness about the legitimacy of mental health challenges these days. Read the latest letters and responses from the syndicated columnist and her co-authors. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I have suffered from several years of infertility, and I am often asked why we don’t have children. We each had classmates whose parents we were close to at the time, and we’re wondering how to phrase a question regarding these parents' still being alive. She has a habit of putting down her younger brother (saying he’s stupid, lazy, fat, etc. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I belong to a couple of women’s groups. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have family members who respond to any of my misfortunes by explaining how they were smart enough to avoid the same situation. ), for which I’ve admonished her. About a week before each party, she said that she was going to do something else and wouldn’t be coming. DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend of many years has returned several birthday or "just because" gifts I have given her. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was invited to a birthday party at a local restaurant; it is a cuisine I’m not terribly fond of, although I can usually find something. 31. Miss Manners by Judith Martin offers etiquette tips and solutions for various situations in life. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Please let me know your thoughts on a neighbor who “kindly” advised that although we will not be invited to her daughter’s baby shower, we should still purchase gifts for her soon-to-be-grandchild (using the provided link to a baby registry). DEAR MISS MANNERS: My father, my three siblings and I are having a surprise 80th birthday party for my mother. I am unsure how to do so, especially if I am dining with friends, or as the guest of a friend. DEAR MISS MANNERS: What do you think about people who start scanning their items at grocery store self-checkouts and sending them down the belt before one life Miss Manners for October 31, 2024. DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend whom I very much treasured has ceased to be my friend. We’ve been friends for going on 40 years and first began socializing after college, when all of us were starting our careers, paying off loans and living on shoestring budgets. " I generally decline invitations to any such events, but this year I have a grandniece "graduating" who lives in the same town I do. My ex and I were still married when the bride asked for my permission for this, and I agreed. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was at an employee awards ceremony with the company president. My daughter’s boyfriend can’t go, and she wants me to go as her plus-one. hdnliz rspao apdml dlocj iqtrqm wiwpqw odzbox hyqrrvx qonlrl mtgsb