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

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 ...

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).

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.

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?

In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to a friend annoyed by their companion's companion.

My instinct is to return the item in a little bag with a note saying it isn’t mine. But somehow that feels rude, presumptuous ...

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 ...

I’m pregnant after a decade of trying without luck and I want to tell my close friends before I make an announcement. But every time I try, they just talk about themselves and never give me ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I live near a university, and graduate students are always looking for odd jobs to make extra money. One of them does my laundry twice a week, and always returns it beautifully ...