ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Lately, I find that whenever I schedule even the most mundane of appointments, I am endlessly nagged by correspondence from the host: "Please confirm Lady Tuna's rabies booster appointment," or "Are you still planning to attend our Needle-Felting Calico Cats class at the library?"

Such repetitive messages arrive by post, text...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was at the dentist last week and the hygienist, whom I had never met before, mentioned she had a new grandchild. I naturally congratulated her and asked the polite questions: sex, name, etc.

Then she asked about my children, and I replied that I have one son. "Is he married?" No, but he's in a long-term relationship. "Any ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I work at a small, family-owned business where a few employees have dietary restrictions, some by choice and some by medical necessity.

I love to cook and bake at home, and since it is just myself and my partner, I often have extra portions. Is it rude to bring food to share at the workplace that doesn't meet the restrictions...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I live in a very cliquey condo community, and I feel left out when I don't get invited to the lunches or dinners out with the other ladies. And then I feel even more left out when someone who moved out of our community still gets included in these events.

I know I can't say anything about this to the people in question. I ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How do you go about declining when someone who just isn't your type asks you out or asks for your phone number?

I have been nice and said things like, "I'm not dating right now," or even, "I really only want to date someone of my faith."

Some men just don't seem to get the hint. How do you politely say, "It's you, personally...Read more