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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin is asked how to get a young couple to send a "thank you" note.

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).

So Miss Manners suggests you save yourself a search for pre-printed matter, get out a plain piece of paper (or one with just ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was invited to a shower for a friend’s daughter’s wedding. It was called a “suitcase” shower, meaning ...

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

Should you still wish to go to dinner at your cousin’s, you might ask her just beforehand whether she has had time to prepare, because if not, you will spare her the rush and go another time. It will ...

A friend likes to involve service people in the conversation he’s having with the letter writer. Dear Miss Manners: I have a gregarious friend who likes to involve service people, such as cashiers and ...