Dad’s girlfriend showed up to the letter writer’s bowling birthday party and took over. Dear Miss Manners: For my 40th ...

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 ...

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?

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 ...

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

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).

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

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a number of friends I regularly ... Are we violating any principles of etiquette by continuing to gather on these terms? We’re all still happy with the arrangements ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My wife and I were meeting another couple at a restaurant for dinner, and we arrived 15 minutes before our reservation time. The other couple was not in the waiting area.