ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When we have a large family dinner, between 10 and 21 people, there is one child whose parents allow her to be on her tablet, with volume on high. She comes into the house, whizzes by everyone present and goes directly to the table to set up her tablet.

I disapprove of this, and feel that the host or hostess needs to express ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughters play competitive soccer. It is understood, and often in the rule book, that the parents of one team sit on one side of the field and the parents of the other team sit on the other side.

Several times over the years, parents from the other team have sat on our side. Usually it's not a big deal, but sometimes it ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My stepson is a successful novelist. I'm reading an advanced copy of his new book, which is brilliant, but contains a neurodivergent character that doesn't ring quite true to me. (I'm neurodivergent, if that matters.)

In a recent conversation, I complimented him on his truly wonderful book, but when I tried to talk about this...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: After 25 years at the same company, my role was eliminated by the parent corporation. When it comes to former co-workers, who should call whom after such a job loss?

I consider this something like a sympathy situation, and wonder if the remaining employees should call or write me to offer their support. If I should want to ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have visited a dear friend a few times over the years, and each time, I am greeted with a lovely guest room: comfortable bedding, fresh flowers and fluffy towels, all of which made my stay extra special.

When she visited me for the first time, I was excited to put together a similar experience for her. But I was rather ...Read more