DEAR MISS MANNERS: I loathe dogs, but I live in a dog-lover’s paradise. How can I let neighbors and strangers know that I don’t want to pet their dog or let it sniff me? “I’m allergic ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My old college roommate and I were at school together about 40 years ago. Over the years, we have lost touch, but I still enjoy seeing her family in online posts. In her most ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a good friend who is the polar opposite of me on politics, religion and almost every other subject. We are cognizant of these differences, and refrain from debate or ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Fifteen minutes after arriving at an informal family get-together at someone’s home, a relative took a phone call. She stepped out of the room where everyone was gathered and ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My 11-year-old granddaughter wants to register online for birthday gifts for her party. I told her I didn’t think that was appropriate, especially for 11-year-olds.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a good friend who is the polar opposite of me on politics, religion and almost every other subject. We are cognizant of these differences, and refrain from debate or ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My spouse and I frequently host meals for 10 to 20 guests, both personally and professionally. We have a debate over whether to put out spoons for meals when we are not serving ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it considered necessary to write notes of sympathy about a death on cards specially designed for the purpose? I have given up on finding cards that are acceptable and instead ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I will be hosting a family gathering for our kids and grandkids. On top of having many people to feed, there are my (medically dictated) dietary restrictions to ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the polite way to have a conversation during meals? I do not mean formal dinners, just ordinary family dinners or lunch with friends. On the one hand, we cannot talk ...

Dear Miss Manners: What is the proper response to someone who is very vocal when you are driving, and not in a way that is helpful? For example, when I am driving us to a restaurant and we pull ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it considered necessary to write notes of sympathy about a death on cards specially designed for the purpose? I have given up on finding cards that are acceptable and instead ...