"None of these people have ever socialized with me, so I find it odd and awkward that they would suddenly invite themselves." ...

One bridesmaid says she didn't have any input on the shower's size and scope, why should she have to help fund it?

"Ms." is an abbreviation of the honorific “Mistress,” which was the respectable equivalent of “Mister,” to be used regardless ...

Miss Manners: I’m having a celebration of life for my son, not a funeral Letter writer wonders if people make a distinction between funerals and celebrations of life.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We are holding a celebration of life for my 28-year-old son at an airplane hangar. I’m saying “Wear anything!” because we want it to be about celebrating his life more ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was wondering if it’s inappropriate to show up for the repast if you have not attended the funeral. My brother-in-law by marriage passed away, and we traveled out of town ...

But Miss Manners is not going to say you should not wear white -- a mourning color in other cultures -- if it makes you feel better.

Advice Miss Manners: I have to bow out of attending a funeral, but there seems to be no good option Published: May. 23, 2025, 11:00 a.m.

In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to the polite way to inform family when someone is unable to attend a funeral due to sickness or injury.

Advice Miss Manners: Does a ‘celebration of life’ require etiquette adjustments from those of a funeral? Published: Mar. 24, 2025, 6:00 a.m.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What’s the polite, kind thing to do when one must miss a funeral for reasons such as illness or injury? My aunt’s mother just passed away, and the funeral is in a few days.

Do you make a distinction between funerals and celebrations of life, or do you believe mourning prevails regardless? I am not criticizing; beliefs are beliefs. I guess I’m questioning my actions ...