ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My home has an open floor plan with the kitchen, living room and dining area all combined. This leads to guests meandering through the kitchen area while we're preparing food.

No approach I have used has been successful to deter this. How do I approach my dear aunt at Thanksgiving, who is a repeat offender? She hovers over ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My 30-year-old cousin is getting married, and my relatives believe she is doing everything wrong. In fact, a growing list of the bride-to-be's "inappropriate" wedding choices has become the family's favorite topic, especially among the 65+ ladies (all discussed behind my cousin's back, of course).

The specific crimes my ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a high school senior who usually sits with my friend Oliver in English class. I've known him for about a year and we get along very well and hang out outside of school since we only have one class together.

We don't actually talk much in this class. I've noticed he has difficulty focusing so he can't be distracted from ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I've encountered a lot of fuss about the pervasiveness of the nonapology: e.g., "I'm sorry you're so sensitive" or "I'm sorry you feel that way."

But what is one to say to acknowledge another's injury, while reinforcing that you are NOT sorry and fully stand by your actions? Particularly in a social setting in which silence ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a very close friend I have known for a long time. I enjoy seeing her and her husband. However, whenever we go out to dinner, she always tells me to make the restaurant reservation, as supposedly I know all the places to go to.

Once we are at the restaurant, she always complains about the food. Last time, there were not...Read more