ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am the third daughter in a family of seven children -- six daughters and one son, with my brother being the youngest. Anytime it is disclosed that my brother was the last child born, someone will say something along the lines of, "Wow, they must have really wanted that boy!"

I understand that people think they are just ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a 50-year-old man who works in a field where the majority of staff are women. I am in management and find myself referring to staff as "girls" in conversations with peers and leadership above me.

I realize the term is not appropriate, and is in fact demeaning to the hardworking staff in our organization. Once I catch ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: If I invite someone to join me for an event via text or email, and they haven't responded, how long should I wait before inviting someone else? Sending a casual invite with a deadline doesn't seem very personable. If I move on to another person, should I let the first choice know? If so, how can I phrase it without sounding ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have noticed a trend about how women compliment each other that I find really insulting.

I have had people say to me, "You're pretty" or "You have nice skin." I thank them and forget about it. However, a few times, I have had women say to me, "Your makeup is so pretty," or "Wow, you really know how to apply makeup well."

I...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Twice, now, I have become an accidental intruder on a couple's proposal during my regular walking excursions (after work and on weekends).

The first occurred on the campus of the university where I am employed, near a pad-mounted transformer and busy roundabout. I was willing to chalk my unfortunate presence up to his poor ...Read more