ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: After several years of dealing with infertility and undergoing various treatments, my husband and I are expecting our first child.

Since many of our family and friends were aware of our struggles to get pregnant, I have received a few invasive questions that I'd prefer to not answer: "So, did you guys do IVF? Donor embryos?" ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was wondering what the appropriate mourning period would be for ex-college sweethearts who are now in their 80s.

The man's wife died a few weeks ago after a four-year battle with dementia. During that time, his widowed neighbor and former fiancee (from over 40 years ago) supported the couple with frequent meals and visits. ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I are having an outdoor cocktail party. Since it is outdoors, would it be acceptable to have people enter through our yard gate instead of going through the house, then into the yard?

We will have people welcome guests as they walk up to the house and show them where to go. We will be using our guest house's ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a family member with whom I have a challenging relationship. I go out of my way to be civil and polite, but also to keep my distance. (Avoiding her completely would mean declining all family gatherings.)

She singles me out for catty behavior, and is outrageous, but not insulting, to others. This dynamic has been going ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Can you please advise me on the proper way for individuals to serve themselves when passing dishes at a family-style dinner?

My mother emphasized that when one says, "Please pass the rolls," and the breadbasket is passed around the table, the requester should accept the breadbasket in their hands with polite thanks and then ...Read more