Dad’s girlfriend showed up to the letter writer’s bowling birthday party and took over. Dear Miss Manners: For my 40th ...

When I had my hair done, the stylist and her assistant spent the entire time talking over my head. There was no way I could ...

Do we have to invite them to join us at a restaurant at some point? If so, may we try to “dilute” them by inviting others?

Dear Miss Manners: A pair of neighbors hosted my wife and me for an impromptu dinner, to which we contributed a nice salad.

But if they are talking pleasantries, you may smile or laugh or add something and see if it takes. There is a good chance ...

At a bowling party for my 40th birthday, my dad brought his girlfriend. It didn’t take her long to try to take over the whole ...

GENTLE READER: Your confidence that you are not required to reciprocate in your apartment, though technically correct, ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: For my 40th birthday, my sister planned a bowling party. She is very organized, and pre-entered the names of all 12 guests into the lanes (two lanes, six people at each).

No one knew what to say or how to stop her, since we don’t really even know her, and no one wanted her to be uncomfortable.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I live near a university, and graduate students are always looking for odd jobs to make extra money. One of them does my laundry twice a week, and always returns it beautifully ...

[More tales of underwear on the loose in this Dear Abby column.] DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a young woman who was brought up by my parents to bring or send a gift to my host when I have been invited ...