ArcaMax

I couldn't face another night eating alone, so I reserved a table at a favorite restaurant -- an expensive gourmet place that my wife and I frequented.

After appropriate hugs and condolences from the staff, I was seated next to a social older couple who ordered what I was going to select. I asked about their order and the conversation turned to some things that we both had in common.

Eventually, I explained my lack of a dinner companion. We chatted amiably, friended each other on Facebook and they departed.

I motioned for my bill and found it has been taken care of by my newfound friends.

Their kindness and generosity made me tear up. (Of course, I reached out to them to thank them.)

My point is that the ability to accept an act of kindness is a lost art and it is this country's most desperately needed form of etiquette.

We can't give kindness if we don't learn how to accept it.

-- Thomas

Dear Thomas: My sincere condolences. You have attached the perfect lesson to accepting this generosity, and I think your story is going to inspire a lot of people to do the same. Connecting with others helps keep all of us afloat.

Dear Amy: Ah, your advice to "Middle Schooler" about dealing with testing jitters made me smile ... especially this part: "...imagine a big, friendly golden retriever sitting calmly beside you while you take your test."

What a great image! I'm not in middle school, but I'm going to use it.

-- A Fan

Dear Fan: Well, it works for me!

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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)