ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A graduate from a Seven Sisters college, who is the child of a doctor and a lawyer, sends out announcements with a link to her wish list for classroom items.

Is this a subtle request for gifts for herself, or truly a wish to stock her classroom?

GENTLE READER: Well ... Are the requests for construction paper and colored ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am on a team in an adult sports league. At the end of the season, the team decided to have a party. One of the members volunteered to host it, but then decided to invite other people who aren't associated with the team.

The get-together is no longer a "team" party. Is it proper etiquette for someone who volunteered to host ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I came home from work one evening and found my daughter on the phone, so I passed her a note. She immediately said, "I am on the phone, Dad."

I was upset by this response, and asked who she was talking to -- to make sure I didn't interrupt anything important -- but it happened to be her boyfriend.

Am I overreacting, or she ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Please settle an ongoing dispute with my wife. When we attend a concert or show with open seating, is it polite to sit directly in front of someone already seated when there are plenty of other seats available that don't block someone's view?

Both of us are rather tall, and I believe it's more polite for us to sit towards the...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I'm sure you are aware that grief is one of the toughest emotions to process. I therefore believe those grieving should be given a break and allowed to grieve in the manner that best suites them.

What a horrible burden it is on the grieving to have hanging over them the responsibility of responding to condolence letters if ...Read more