Related Posts with Thumbnails
return to homepage

'Ask Miss Manners' Forum

What is this page about? Get your etiquette questions answered. ask miss manners, miss manners advice, missy manners, miss manners column, ms manners

In true 'Dear Miss Manners' and 'Ask Miss Manners' style, all of us (the readers of elegantwoman.org) try to answer etiquette questions. If you have a question about wedding etiquette, we have a dedicated Wedding Etiquette Forum.

"Good manners sometimes means putting up with other people's bad manners."


Please Note!
Due to an overwhelming number of submissions each day, I'm unable to approve them all. As I have so many submissions a day, I can only select original and relevant content. If your submission is selected, you will see it published in the next couple of weeks. I am also unable to personally reply to everyone but I'll try. I will also only approve those who give their full details and will not read those who leave blanks. Sorry, it has just been overwhelming. I am also in the midst of re-organizing the pages. Thank you for your kindest patience and understanding. - Eunice


What Other Elegant Readers Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other Elegant Readers to this page...

Senior Forgetfulness  starstarstarstarstar
Sometimes in talking with my adult daughters, they get frustrated because I forget things. I do not know how to respond to their eye rolling or the "I ...

The Issue of Sneezing  starstarstarstarstar
The issue of sneezing and how people react to it is confusing and sometimes embarrassing to me. When I sneeze, I simply say excuse me if anyone is around....

Complicated Guestlist Involving Separated Parents  starstarstarstarstar
My husband and I are separated and our middle daughter is graduating this year and would like a party. The problem that I have is is it acceptiable for ...

Do the gentleman or the lady extend their hand for a handshake first?  starstarstarstarstar
i was taught from my father to always extend your hand to the man first to shake hands in social situations. That it is nt proper for a man to extend his ...

R.S.V.P. No Shows, No Calls  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners:

This last Sunday was my first piano recitial with a invitation to my guest to my home for a after party, catered event.

The one ...

Gift Baskets for House Guests  starstarstarstarstar
I found myself in a dither as the guest in a lovely European home. The hostess had prepared a basket full of lovely small gifts -- French soap, olive oil ...

Correcting Someone  starstarstarstarstar
I was at a mall today and the there was someone selling Tea. A friend i was with asked the saleswoman a question about tea. The saleswoman obviously had ...

request for free legal work  starstarstarstarstar
I am a lawyer in sole practice.

It's Friday afternoon, and I have just received email from an acquaintance in which he requests that I promptly review ...

Was a gift given?  starstarstarstarstar
I'm in a quandry--My uncle, who is very generous and often gives gifts to my children, either forgot (or chose not) to give my son a Bar Mitzvah gift, OR,...

Vegetarianat a dinner party  starstarstarstarstar
I'm going to a small dinner party and don't know the host. I am a Vegetarian and don't want to be rude and not eat the prepared meal.

Greeting cards  starstarstarstarstar
Should guests who are in my home take it upon themselves to look at greeting cards (birthday, Easter, etc) that I have displayed on my TV unit without ...

Invitation for two - Can I ask my daughters to go instead of my husband and I?  starstarstarstarstar
I just received a print out invitation addressed for my husband and I. Included in the invitation was a small piece of paper that read two per invitation....

How many bridal showers are enough??  starstarstarstarstar
My neice is getting married in a few months. So far she has had four bridal showers - including showers given by friends and one even given by her mother!...

Asking price paid & How much money you have?  starstarstarstarstar
Is it rude to ask how much items cost? and/or how much money someone has?

Proper Phone Etiquette  starstarstarstarstar
My name is Doug Matheson. My wife and I can not agree on this situation. Please Help. My wife says because I am older I am out of touch and that I am the ...

Get Well Cards  starstarstarstarstar
I have been home from work recovering from knee surgery. I have received many Get Well Cards and wishes. Should I send a Thank You card in response to ...

High school Graduation Announcements  starstarstarstarstar
I am trying to find out if my husband and I should have our names in the return address area on the announcements or if your daughters name should be in ...

Texting Etiquette  starstarstarstarstar
I work for a small boutique where the manager has a texting problem. She is the problem! She will text any and all of the employees, when they are at work,...

Graduation Announcements  starstarstarstarstar
During the month of May my husband and I will graduate with our associates Degrees and our youngest son will graduate from high school we want to sent ...

Is Money A Proper Gift?  starstarstarstarstar
Good Morning;
My wife and I are going to a party for my best friend's son who is going into the Air Force. Is it proper to give a gift or ...

Intrusive, Rude question about Whether I am Pregnant When I'm Not  starstarstarstarstar
Is there any good way to answer the question 'When are you due?' when the answer is 'I'm not pregnant.'

I work in the food service industry, and ...

More than one Prom dates  starstarstarstarstar
i have a son that is a senior in high school. He is taking one girl as a friend to eat and walk the red carpet. than he is meeting another girl at the ...

Is it appropriate to ask Out of Town Guests to bring food?  starstarstarstarstar
A friend invited me and some other friends to come into town for the horse races. Another girl is putting together the event (ie securing the tent for ...

Using the regular knife, rather than the steak knife, when very tender meat is served  starstarstarstarstar
I work in a retirement home. A female resident who is very "proper" bullies another sweet lady because she uses her regular knife on tender meat versus ...

Saying Hello  starstarstarstarstar
What is proper, to enter a room and speak to people when you first enter or wait until they are finished talking amongst themselves to speak.

Wedding showers  starstarstarstarstar
If the bride is planning to be married in another state rather than in her home church and is not inviting the whole church to the ceremony -----
is ...

Baby Shower Invitation  starstarstarstarstar
I have received an invitation to a baby shower for the daughter of a "very, very" casual friend. This woman and I met when we were members of the same ...

Telephone Call   starstarstarstarstar
I called my daughter in laws aunt that i met at Christmas whom i really liked a lot when she and her husband visited us. I wanted to stay in touch with ...

Should we bring gifts for a couple's wedding anniversary?  starstarstarstarstar
My husband and I are invited to go to Gulf Shores and stay with another couple in their condo on the beach to celebrate their wedding anniversary. There ...

Baby Shower Diaper Raffle?  starstarstarstarstar
I think I know this answer but... I still want to ask in case there is hope. My cousin is throwing me a baby shower. she had not spoken much about her ...

Watching TV during a friend's visit? Is that Rude?  starstarstarstarstar
I visited a very good friend as she was sick and not feeling well. During my visit her TV was on and she kept on watching whatever was on TV ( nothing ...

Formal Gloves are they worn durning a meal?  starstarstarstarstar
It is Prom night and my nephews girlsfriend's. Mother wanted to know does her daughter keep the formal gloves on durning the meal or remove them for the ...

Umwanted Advice From Mother-In-Law  starstarstarstarstar
Yesterday I received am email from my mother-in-law with an attachment. The attachment was a Dinning Etiquette Guide. In the email she wrote "Really good ...

Long Distance Bridal Shower  starstarstarstarstar
My daughter lives 600 miles away, but will be married in here, in her hometown. My sister wants to host a bridal shower, but it would be almost impossible ...

Too Many Guests At Baby Shower   starstarstarstarstar
I am throwing a baby shower for a friend and i am concerned with the guest list. I should say i am concerned with the number of people on the list. I have ...

How to ask guests to subsidize birthday party?  starstarstarstarstar
My best girlfriend and I are paying for a beach house food and alcohol for a weekend for our birthdays. On our invitations we would like to politely ask ...

Promise Ring Etiquette - (for the mother)  starstarstarstarstar
My son presented his girlfriend with a promise ring.

What should we do to acknowledge this stage of their relationship?

Is there a protocol?

Should I tip for a fence?  starstarstarstarstar
My husband and I are going to have a fence put up in our backyard. We had several different companies come out and give us an estimate.

One man gave ...

Baby Gift   starstarstarstarstar
My boss gave me a gift to give my children for their newborn. I do have access to their home address but it was not shared with me other than in business ...

To gift or not to gift. That is the question.  starstarstarstarstar
My adult daughter and I both received invitations to a bridal shower. The groom is my sister's son, (my daughter's first cousin.) My daughter is on the ...

Elegant hand gestures when talking  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Eunice,

Thank-you so much for making such a lovely and helpful site! As the eldest daughter in a family of girls who was brought up like the boy,...

Gas mask please!  starstarstarstarstar
One of my supervisors at work constantly and openly passes gas. The smell is foul and the lack of respect is outrageous! How do we confront him without ...

Annoying In-laws  starstarstarstarstar
I have very well meaning in-laws. However, they insist on a few behaviors that I really am "TIRED" of.

1. They insist on calling every weekend, if ...

Three months later and I still have your thank you gifts  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners:

Last year was exceptionally challenging for me. First, I was laid off from my job in April. Then in October I lost everything I ...

Protocol for sharing food  starstarstarstarstar
When you are out to dinner with your significant other and your meals are delivered to your plate, is it rude for your significant other to take the first ...

Financial Motive With Planning Party  starstarstarstarstar
My step-daughter, who doesn't talk to me, emailed me about a surprise birthday party. She had already called places and had done most of the planning,...

No Kidding..."How Can You Not Want Kids?"  starstarstarstarstar
My husband and I are childless by choice, and I'm curious as to how Miss Manners thinks we should respond to queries (often very long-winded, obnoxious ...

Reading someone's diary  starstarstarstarstar
My step daughter came across my journal and read it. It was not laying out where anyone could just see it though it was not in a deep dark secret place ...

Asking For Cash Gifts Instead because of Destination Wedding  starstarstarstarstar
My fiance and I reside in Georgia but are getting married in Washington state. Is there a "non-tacky" way for us to ask for cash or gift cards so as not ...

Covering your mouth when yawning  starstarstarstarstar
Please explain what happened? Why is it so terribly difficult for folks to cover their mouth when they yawn?

Often in a conversation with ...

Unwelcomed Guest  starstarstarstarstar
My husband travels quite a bit for his job. The problem is that every time he is gone my mother ends up showing up at my house & staying for hours. There ...

New-fangled communication devices  starstarstarstarstar
My best friend's new boyfriend has added me on Facebook. I haven't met him but I've heard much about him.

I am not one to add people I haven't met ...

Not invited to stepson's wedding  starstarstarstarstar
My stepson is getting married by the justice of the peace and after that there will be a luncheon. I'm not invited and didn't expected to be since my ...

Invitation up in the air  starstarstarstarstar
'If you invite someone for dinner to your home and he/she hasn't responded to your invitation, are you compelled to have dinner ready?'

Annoying Overuse of "I Don't Know"  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners:

I am the uncle of 16 nieces and nephews whom I love very much (I have no children of my own). Each of my four siblings is very successful ...

Did I go about asking over for dinner the wrong way?  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners,
My sister-in-law invited me to a Pampered Chef party she was hosting. I called her to thank her for the invite, and let her know that ...

In Laws getting Remarried  starstarstarstarstar
My Husband's cousin is getting remarried and I have been invited to the wedding shower of the bride. I have not met this person and feel alittle strange ...

When Should I Send A Sympathy Card  starstarstarstarstar
My question is when you have heard of an passing and you are planning on going to the funeral within the week, when is it correct to send a sympathy card,...

Going overboard when asking for help at Rehearsal Dinner  starstarstarstarstar
My cousin and I live in the same town but have had only minimal contact over the years. She stops by occasionally and we go to dinner at Christmas. Her ...

Cubicle Ambush  starstarstarstarstar
I have a coworker who ambushes people at their cubicles first thing when they get into work. He begins interrogating you before you've even had a chance ...

Am I wrong to feel angry about this?  starstarstarstarstar
I believe it is proper that when several dishes are served at dinner (meat, vegetable, bread, salad, etc.) that they are all put on your plate when served ...

Loaning out other's possessions.  starstarstarstarstar
Is it proper to loan out something that you have or have borrowed from a friend to another friend without first asking permission from the owner of the ...

Perplexed in Mass! Should I send a wedding gift if I'm not going?  starstarstarstarstar
Is one obligated to buy a wedding gift if not attending the wedding? This is a work situation where several co-workers are friends outside of work and ...

Birthday Thank you's  starstarstarstarstar
Do I have to go out of my way to thank people who send birthday/anniversary cards that do not include any type of gift? I have no problem thanking them ...

Renewal of Vows what to do?  starstarstarstarstar
I married my wonderful husband 10 years ago. We went to the Justice of the Peace and got married without any family or friends and did not have a ceremony....

Can I Invite People To the Bridal Shower outside the wedding guest list?  starstarstarstarstar
We're planning a small wedding, 50-60 guests for our daughter (budget issues).Other friends will receive announcements.

So........for bridal showers,...

Who should Host the Bridesmaid's Luncheon?  starstarstarstarstar
My aunt, who is the Grandmother of the Bride, asked me if it were appropriate for her to host the Bridesmaid Luncheon for her granddaughter's wedding in ...

How does one properly make up a bed?  starstarstarstarstar
For many years some of the women in our family and I have had a running disagreement about the correct way to make up a bed. We have a very large family ...

Noisy Neighbours Upstairs  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manner:

We are in need of your expertise. We live in a condo complex and are on the first floor. We have lived here for almost 7 years and ...

Is it rude to use your index finger to emphasize a point during a discussion?  starstarstarstarstar
My husband and I had friends over for dinner. After everyone had finished eating, we started a discussion, which had various viewpoints.

I felt strongly ...

Too many people at baby shower  starstarstarstarstar
MY daughter in law is expecting a baby girl and I am throwing a baby shower for her.

She is writing a list and because her sister has 2 kids and a small ...

Is a potluck okay if I can't afford to have a big party?  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners,

I would like to give a big party for my soon to be married daughter, but I really can’t afford it. Would a potluck be alright, and ...

Do I Have To Send A Graduation Gift When I Get A Graduation Announcement?  starstarstarstarstar
My cousin is graduating from college, and just recently sent out the announcements. She has been out on her own for 4 years. Am I required to send her ...

'Divorced' or 'Widowed'?  starstarstarstarstar
My ex-husband is considerably older than I am. We have been divorced for 25 years and neither one has remarried.
My question is, if he dies before I do,...

Last minute dinner cancellation  starstarstarstarstar
My husband and I have four children under age 15. This year we were delighted when our extended family accepted our invitation to come to our home for ...

Question about table manners  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Ms. Manners,

Both my husband and I are first-generation Americans and would like to know whether it's polite to keep both hands on the table while ...

Should I ever pay for a date?  starstarstarstarstar
I am going on my 3rd date with a man this weekend. I recently had a conversation with a male friend who said that it is unfair that men are expected to ...

Husband's Birthday Party  starstarstarstarstar
My husband is turning 30 in March and I want to throw him a nice/big party. It will be family and close friends. I've been doing research for locations,...

Unwelcome dog  starstarstarstarstar
We have friends from out of town who stay with us once a month or so while they go to appointments or social events in the city.

Despite the fact that ...

Electronic Cards versus mailed Cards  starstarstarstarstar
We had a baby shower and would like to send Thank You cards to all of the guests. Is it ok to send an electronic thank you card rather than a 'paper' card?...

Guilty of petty judgement  starstarstarstarstar
so...this is a toughie but its starting to become a real issue and I'm wondering if you have any friendly suggestions as to how to handle this.

I absolutely ...

Party Food Etiquette  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners,

During a Christmas party at work, I witnessed several co-workers "breaking pieces" of food in half, on the serving platters, and ...

Looking backwards during church. Is that rude?  starstarstarstarstar
Is it rude to look backward when seated toward the front of a congregation?

I was looking back to find my grandson when he entered the room and I was ...

Received a Thank You Card For Something I Didn't Give  starstarstarstarstar
I received a thank you card from my grandma for a gift (of tea) that I didn't give her. She didn't know who it was from I guess. What is the proper response?...

What Do I Do With My Rude Husband's Behaviour?  starstarstarstarstar
When we are out in social situations, for example exchanging Christmas gifts with family and friends or just visiting with other friends, my husband will ...

Foreign Language  starstarstarstarstar
At a holiday gathering in my home I was having a small private conversation with my (immigrant, 90yr old) stepfather, explaining something to him that ...

Cash Gifts Instead? Is that Appropriate?  starstarstarstarstar
Ma'm,

My sons,27 and 25, asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I suggested a new pair of dress boots would be nice. They looked but could not find the ...

Widow in distress  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners,

Recently my husband of 15 years passed away from a six month battle with very agressive cancer. His was only 45. During this time ...

Dinner visitor asked to remove shoes  starstarstarstarstar
I asked my dinner guests to remove shoes when entering my home. I have very light carpeting and i believe in germs. MY GUEST REFUSED said her shoes were ...

A real Turkey at Thanksgiving dinner!  starstarstarstarstar
My husband and I were flabbergasted by our neighbor's behavior during Thanksgiving dinner. The four of us are in our very early sixties, we are new friends ...

A woman I know unnecessarily avoids me  starstarstarstarstar
A woman who was in my dance class for two years sits in the same commuter train car that I do. When the train arrives, she does everything she can possibly ...

Is it proper to call and ask about the gift you sent? (when you haven't heard from them)  starstarstarstarstar
A few weeks ago I sent a $50. gift card in the mail to my nephew who just had a baby girl. I have not heard from him so I don't know if he recieved the ...

Mispronunciation  starstarstarstarstar
Have you noticed how many otherwise intelligent people mispronounce the word "realtor"? They say "real-a-tor". I'm not sure why, but it makes me quite ...

Speaking in Another Language In Front Of You  starstarstarstarstar
I have been having a debate with various people and in various situations. I believe it is rude to speak in another language then that which you coworkers ...

Christmas card signatures--hierarchy  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners,

We are a family of four and in the midst of ordering Christmas cards. Traditionally, I have handled this chore and designed and ...

Visiting Someone with Cancer  starstarstarstarstar
A very close friend of my husband's has just informed us that he has terminal cancer. He has been given 2 to 5 months to live. He says that presently ...

"I Believe We Already Had This Conversation!"  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners,

Last year my husband and I went to a inn for Thanksgiving. There was a pre-dinner cocktail hour where all guests gathered, about ...

How do I elegantly respond to "Oh you shouldn't have!"  starstarstarstarstar
I never know what to say when I give a gift and the response is, "Oh, you shouldn't have!" I feel awkward and usually respond with, "Oh, but of course!...

Slurping Your Coffee  starstarstarstarstar
Hello,
Is it proper to slurp your coffee at work, and is proper for your co-workers to complain about it?

Question to a question?  starstarstarstarstar
Is it considered bad manners to ask a question to a question that was asked of you, without actually answering?

e.g. Q: How is the weather your side?...

Grandma or Not  starstarstarstarstar
I am recently married (2 years, together for 6 years), we are in our late 40's early 50's.

My husband has a grown son who is now a dad himself. My ...

Bossy father in law  starstarstarstarstar
At my son's third birthday party, which we had at my in laws house, my father in law decided he was going to start bossing my 3 yr old around. My son ...

How to politely chastise a rude stranger?  starstarstarstarstar
It happens more often than I can handle, usually when I am in an already awkward situation, like on an elevator.

Some stranger will ask me out of ...

Family relations  starstarstarstarstar
Would my sister's-in-law brother's child be my niece/nephew?
Thank you!

Can a divorced woman refer herself as a MRS?  starstarstarstarstar
Is it proper for a divorced wife to refer to herself as mrs. after the former mate has remarried?

How do you prevent your guests from taking the table decorations at a banquet or reception?  starstarstarstarstar
In an organization to which I belong, I was appointed to handle decorations for a recent banquet. I worked hard creating two dozen tall centerpieces adorned ...

Even if it is casual, shouldn't he introduce me?  starstarstarstarstar
Recently, my boyfriend and I were out with a small group of friends. He ran into a co-worker of his that I had never met. They chatted for a while, and ...

Strange situation: I know we should never point out bad manners of others but....  starstarstarstarstar
I recently began college with all news colleagues.

While I made a quick connection with some of them, I stay away from others because I really don't ...

People who use 'Darling, Honey, Baby, Sweetie' Too Much And Inappropriately  starstarstarstarstar
I'm ready to pull my hair out!!!!!

I work for the State of NM, directly under the Governor's office. It is well known that everyone conducts themselves ...

Is it ok to refuse food?  starstarstarstarstar
I have a few pounds to lose, and some days I have the wherewithal to stay away from sweets.

Is it ill mannered to refuse food when someone asks if ...

Baby Shower  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners,

I hosted a Jack and Jill baby shower for my friend and her husband. I am now emailing them the list of gifts that they received....

Girlfriend's husband "not too friendly"  starstarstarstarstar
I have been friends with Lisa for several years. Our friendship has become very close since our seven year old boys have been friends since preschool....

Noisy Eater in the Workplace  starstarstarstarstar
I have a coworker who drives me absolutely insane with her loud gum chewing and ice chewing. We have cubicles next to each other. I usually drown out her ...

Disturbing E-mails  starstarstarstarstar
Miss Manners,

I am tired of getting e-mails from friends and family depicting disturbing images. I am usually a very laid back person and don't mind ...

Help with a sensitive wedding anniversary.   starstarstarstarstar
I've worked for my boss for nearly nine years and I consider he and his wife feel more like extended family. My boss recently suffered a near fatal arrhythmia ...

children at a wake and funeral  starstarstarstarstar
My daughter in law's 90 year old grandmother just passed
away. The wake is today at the funeral home.
My grandchildren ages 5 and 6 are being brought ...

Over bearing friend  starstarstarstarstar
I have a "friend" who asked me to start a book club with her.

I asked a bunch of my friends, all of her supposed friends backed out last minute.

Turns ...

Everybody's Cook  starstarstarstarstar
I love cooking and my family all know that. Often times I get invited for dinner and everyone waits around and talks about how hungry they are until I ...

A bad taste!  starstarstarstarstar
Hello,
I am so bothered by my friends fiance I have been avoiding him (and her)- but I can't for much longer- they are getting married soon!
My friend ...

do you tell a co-worker she has her sweater on backwards  starstarstarstarstar
A co-worker of mine is wearing her sweater backwards. I'm not personal friends with her. Do I tell her it's on backwards?

Second Marriages  starstarstarstarstar
I have a quesstion. We recently received a wedding invitation from a relative who was married and divorced a little over 3 years ago. The invitation ...

There has to be a better answer than "No Problem"!  starstarstarstarstar
Perhaps I was raised by a mother and family that is outdated in their thinking on polite speech; nevertheless I find myself sticking true to many of the ...

texting during dinner or with company  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Miss Manners,
We were at the Thanksgiving Table Thursday, and one of my sons, (all three are in their 30's) started texting at the table during the ...

Undisciplined children visiting your home...  starstarstarstarstar
Last week, my husband and I invited our employee's wife and two young children into our home, because it was snowing outside and it was the polite thing ...

when to tell a friend to be quiet  starstarstarstar
I have a friend who has been working out for several years now. My problem is that whenever I talk to her I have to hear how she’s coming from the gym,...

Money Tree? Is that appropriate?  starstarstarstar
My 18 year old grandson is graduating from high school on June 5th. I'm having a celebration party afterwards for him and I was wondering if it would be ...

Accepting a young mans suit coat? Will it give the wrong idea?  starstarstarstar
I am 17, and I go to a small church. We have a youth group of about 15 teenagers, and we are all very close friends. During the Winter, the church building ...

When the talker tries to get a certain reaction from you  starstarstarstar
I fell awkward when someone tells me something that makes them react a certain way and they reiterate the part in the story that creates the reaction as ...

No intention of inviting children from previous marriage.  starstarstarstar
My brother recently remarried, And we are close to his ex and 1st marriage children. The new wife wants her 3 children invited to my daughteers' wedding ...

is it appropriate?  starstarstar
There is a very handsome father at my son's school. He often finds me staring and stares back at times. is it appropriate to tell him I think he's handsome?...

My limited conversational skills  Not rated yet
I found this site a mere two days ago, and I haven't been able to open my browser window without having the urge to come back to it. I've always nurtured ...

Stuck In a Dilemma - Attend a graduation out of obligation?  Not rated yet
My co-worker is graduating with his master degree and we've worked together for nine years now. He gave me an invitation to the graduation. I am throwing ...

Proper Use of a Silver Tea Service  Not rated yet
I have been lucky enough to receive an old silver plated (one can't have everything) tea service, which I would like to use properly. There is a large ...

Using the regular knife, rather than the steak knife, when very tender meat is served  Not rated yet
I work in a retirement facility. There is a very "proper" female resident who harasses another female resident about knife usage. Ms. Proper is a bully ...

Invitation Etiquette  Not rated yet
I am throwing a baby shower for my dear friend. I plan on playing the usual games, however I would also like to plan a "baby pool" -- in which guests may ...

Addressing envelopes  Not rated yet
How do you address an invitation to a couple that are both Reverends?

Graduation Annoucements  Not rated yet
My youngest son will be graduating high school in June. When both his older brother and sister graduated high school, I threw each of them a graduation ...

Inconsiderate Smoking & Rude Behaviour During Means  Not rated yet
I was out this a.m. with a friend going to garage sales, he brought along his girlfriend and a friend of theirs.

After 2 hours the girls insisted they ...

correct order to serve lunch at a bridal shower  Not rated yet
I will be the server in an upcoming bridal shower and i need to know who i should serve first, the bride to be, the Grandmother, the bride's and Groom'...

Proper amount of time to send out invitations  Not rated yet
I was raised that wedding invitations should be sent six weeks prior to the event and birthday parties etc. about two weeks prior. I recently threw a 50th ...

is it proper for family members to go together to purchase a gift?  Not rated yet
My nephew is getting married. Is it proper for myself and my children to purchase a wedding gift together?

Birthday Party BYOB Request  Not rated yet
Dear Ms. Manners,
I recently received a birthday party invitation via Facebook. The invitation was sent by the birthday boy (adult male over 40) and ...

What happened to close your mouth when you chew  Not rated yet
I have a colleague that seemed to lack the basic manner training of chewing with your mouth closed. Waiting until your mouth is empty to speak, or even ...

Are tablecloths that hang more than 12" on all sides too big for the table.  Not rated yet
For instance I bought a tablecloth that measures 70"x90" for a table I always buy 60"x84" and the sides and ends go a couple of inches below the seat of ...

Tipping Hair Salon Owner  Not rated yet
She does my hair...should I tip her and if so how much???...she charges me $20.00. Her sister washes and puts curlers in my hair, which I of course tip ...

Regifting or pawning a gift away  Not rated yet
My husband feels that once a gift is given to him, he has the right to do what ever he wants with that gift and the giver has no right to be offended. I ...

Graduation Announcements  Not rated yet
I have a son graduating on May 28 from High School and a daughter graduating from college on May 28. Is it bad manners to inclose their seperate fold ...

Going to a Party When I Don't Know Anymore.  Not rated yet
It's my best friends brothers engagement party and I am not close to him at all. I also would most likely end up by myself most of the night at the party ...

Reunion Worries  Not rated yet
I am hosting a "cousins" reunion this summer. My mother died at an early age. She and my father had my brother and I. Most of the cousins that will ...

Whose seat is it?  Not rated yet
i was just reading the newspaper and was wondering what is right or wrong. If you are invited to a social get together to watch a movie with other friends ...

A Valentine's Bride all dressed up but partner is not as dressed up.  Not rated yet
OK. Valentine's Day this year was our one year anniversary.
We both had been married before and are 50+.

We had dinner reservations at the same place ...

Father's Watch  Not rated yet
Hello, my father died a few years back. I am the eldest of his three children. He and I did not get a long for the last few years of his life because ...

Comment Exchange at Restaurant   Not rated yet
Please comment on the following exchange at a restaurant:

After being seated at our table, on occasion I may speak to a person at the adjacent table ...

Can't Eat...Gotta Dance  Not rated yet
Hello,

We have dinner quite often with a couple who are good friends. We eat out or have each other over for dinner.

Saturday night we had that couple ...

Wedding Guest List Issues  Not rated yet
I am getting married this year and I like my one boss but I inherited another boss since being split between two departments and I don't really care for ...

Tipping the Owner of a Beauty Salon  Not rated yet
Is it proper to tip the owner of the beauty salon if she gives the permanent? What is considered a proper tip? Thank you.

Wedding Invitations/Save The Dates  Not rated yet
Is it in poor taste not to send an invitation to someone who was sent a Save the Date if the relationship has changed?

Thank you.

Please Excuse Me!  Not rated yet
I recently asked a question and i now realize that this is primarily a women's site. i am embarrassed. i do not know how i overlooked the flowers and ...

How do I make ammends?  Not rated yet
I find a certain man who works in another departmet attractive, and we occasionally talk. I have always liked his longer hairstyle. However, the other ...

How to Be Elegant With A Cold  Not rated yet
Hello Miss Manners,


I am currently suffering from a heavy cold which includes all the joys of stuffiness and the ever hated red nose syndrome. I'm ...

The dilemma with hiring your in-laws or family members  Not rated yet
My in-laws are self-employed and do home improvements. My husband and I have hired them in the past and have been mislead on price and quality of work....

To point or not to point  Not rated yet
My son and I would like to when and why is it impolite to point?

Addressing A Card to A Couple Living Together But Not Married   Not rated yet
When mailing a card or letter to a couple that are living together (for 5 years) but not married or engaged, how do you address the card or letter? Is ...

What about those napkins?  Not rated yet
My friends and I are curious to know whether there is ever a correct time for anyone over the age of 21 to tuck one's dinner napkin into one's shirt rather ...

Inviting Others When It is Not Your Party  Not rated yet
Dear Miss Manners

For several years now I have spent New Year's Even by inviting some friends to go to a local Inn for drinks followed by dinner at ...

What shall I wear to a ballet matinee?  Not rated yet
My sisters and I decided we would attend "The Nutcracker" ballet as our Christmas present to each other this year. I was wondering what to wear. I want ...

Gifts for a heart attack  Not rated yet
Some one we know had a heart attack, but it was a month ago. We want to do something for them but we feel as though bring it back up might put the family ...


See past questions at Miss Manners Advice.

Thank you for reading 'Ask Miss Manners'!

You may like:
  • Bad Manners
  • Intrinsic Details of Elegant Socializing
  • Rules of Etiquette - A Lady's Etiquette
  • Common Etiquette Questions For A Lady
  • Gift Etiquette
  • Etiquette Charm Finishing School

    Return from 'Ask Miss Manners' to Elegant Woman Homepage Tags: ask miss manners, miss manners advice, dear miss manners, wedding etiquette and advice, missy manners, miss manners column, ms manners, mrs manners, etiquette questions, miss manners, emily post etiquette

    Leave a comment



  • Monthly Lessons

    In this monthly email, I write about my latest discoveries about my study of elegance.
    Subscribe to
    Elegant Letters

    Email

    Name

    Then

    I keep this private.

    Subscribe to my blog.

    Twitter

    Twitter Updates

      follow me on Twitter

      Blog Button

      elegantwoman blog button
      Click picture for code.

      Books

      Secrets of Elegance - 10 Basic Steps secrets of elegance ebook

      E-book
      Paperback

      Becoming a Woman of the Finest Class Becoming a Woman of the finest class book

      E-book
      Paperback


      Facebook


      The Elegant Woman

      elegant woman

      Advertising Enquiries

      Advertising Opportunities Advertisements keep the site free. It pays for the running and building costs of elegantwoman.org I have a monthly readership of 75,000 strong reading 200,000 pages and growing.

      Our words reveal our refinements; they tell the discerning listener of the company we have kept; they are the hallmarks of education and culture. - Dale Carnegie

      I recognize but one mental acquisition as a necessary part of the education of a lady or gentleman, namely, an accurate and refined use of the mother tongue. - Dr Charles W. Eliot





      rose
      Enjoy This Site?
      Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service?

      Subscribe To Elegantwoman.org
      XML RSS
      Add to Google
      Add to My Yahoo!
      Add to My MSN
      Subscribe with Bloglines
      | Homepage | About Me |Contact me |Site Search | Advertising |

      footer for How to be Elegant page


      Return to top

      I'll be a wife and mother first, then First Lady - Jackie Kennedy