ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My co-worker was given a surprise baby shower at her mother-in-law's house. Her husband got her there by fibbing, saying he needed to pick up a tool and she could just sit in the car.

This was right after my co-worker had completed two hours of yard work; she was in grubby, ill-fitting clothes and had no shoes on, as hers ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I hate dress codes, but for the opposite reason that most people rail about them. Many say that dress codes are a violation of their God-given right to wear gym clothes to work, or they say that wearing a tie (let alone a tuxedo) to a wedding causes them extreme physical discomfort. Blah, blah, blah.

Well, my wife and I just ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am frequently included in group texts involving relatives, friends, and former colleagues. These conversations range from lighthearted banter to grave news or shared memories.

While I am not always interested in the topics discussed, I worry that failing to reply -- what my daughter calls "ghosting" -- is rude. I often feel...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My friends and I have been celebrating a monthly Moms Night Out for years. There are 11 of us, and it's common practice that the restaurants we visit include an 18% gratuity in our bill because we are such a large party.

Normally this is fine; however, there have been times when we have received very poor service. If we feel ...Read more