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

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 ...

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 ...

But if they are talking pleasantries, you may smile or laugh or add something and see if it takes. There is a good chance ...

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.

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

Dear Miss Manners: My husband and I, along with a friend, pre-purchased hard-to-get opera tickets. We’ve looked forward to attending for many months. However, we just learned that our companion ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: 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 ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a good friend who is the polar opposite of me on politics, religion and almost every other subject. We are cognizant of these differences, and refrain from debate or ...