ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am the legal guardian of a relative who was born with a severe disability. Now middle-aged, she still has the mentality of a toddler. For reasons that are not relevant here, I promised her (and myself) when we were children that I would take care of her.

The problem? People, who probably think they're well-meaning, keep ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I believed that wearing all black was proper dress for anyone at a funeral, or any such service. In recent years, though, this seems to have changed. "Church dress," or subdued outfits in muted colors, seem to be acceptable.

A friend told me that it is pretentious to dress in all black when the deceased is not a close friend ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: One of my novels received a prestigious award. Upon learning this from a mutual friend, an acquaintance approached me and said, "Congratulations, but what a shame this didn't happen years ago when you were still young enough to enjoy it."

I gathered my 70-year-old wits and politely thanked the person without apologizing for ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My new ophthalmologist is a 35-year-old man whom I have known since he was 8 years old and I coached him in youth football. He was in my son's class, and I had frequent contact with him through his school years until he left for college.

So I saw him in the office and I said, "Dr. Smith, how good to see you." He insisted, "...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a friend I've known for over 30 years. We're both retired. I'm married, she isn't. I keep very busy with a big house, rescued animals and projects I like to work on.

I'm not much for talking long on the phone, but I don't mind texting, because I can reply when I have time.

The last couple of years, this friend has ...Read more