ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We invited over some of my partner's friends who all have young children. Our children are grown, but we adore kids.

We understand that kids make messes. We childproofed by moving breakable objects out of reach. We brought out a selection of toys for them to play with. We offered cookies and crackers, and fully expected to ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I dine out often. I use my napkin and have good manners, but even so, there are times that I apparently get small particles of food on my face.

When this happens, my husband thinks it's fun to play "food-on-your-face charades." He will point to his own face to let me know that there is a problem, then when I ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I regularly host events at our home for groups from five to 20 people. We all have a wonderful time and enjoy one another's company.

However, there is one guest who always makes an offhand "joke" about something in our home or the way I run my kitchen. Things like, "This is the dumbest dish I've ever seen," or ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: There's a woman I've known for more than 40 years. We were close when our children were young, but we have not been in regular contact for many years. I still care a lot about her, and believe the feeling is reciprocated.

She's become more isolated by health challenges over the last couple of years, and my invitations to meet...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My cousin, with whom my husband and I are very close, is getting married. Unfortunately, there are a few problems.

The initial issues included our limited finances, transportation troubles, the date of the event (a Thursday night) and the wedding's no-children-allowed rule. With the help of my parents, most of those issues ...Read more