ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I attended a bridal shower where the bride-to-be asked for "no gifts, please." Half the attendees showed up with gifts anyway, and the ones who honored her request and didn't bring a gift were left to feel cheap.

It was awkward for everyone, including the bride-to-be, who wasn't sure if she should open the gifts or not. What ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am an accent nerd, especially about accents from Great Britain and its current and former colonies. I like to guess where people are from once I've heard them speak (not necessarily to me).

In order to find out if my guess is correct, I have to start up a conversation with them. I usually start off by asking them if I am ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am in my late 30s and childless, not by choice. I prefer to have a small circle of friends, but I have found it difficult to find other childless friends; statistically, most people my age have children -- especially in church settings, where I spend a lot of my time.

It often leaves me feeling like I don't fit in, as I ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My wife and I entertain frequently. We get a lot of joy out of hosting longtime friends and family for holidays and special occasions. We are attentive to the vibe and move things along at a pace that matches it. Everyone always tells us we host lovely evenings and that they can't wait for the next one.

The problem is with ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Should I warn particularly conservative guests that an annual party they attended last year has grown in size and will include a more eclectic group of people?

My husband and I hosted a last-minute holiday open house last year. Many of the attendees were generally conservative, reflecting the nature of my immediate ...Read more