Life Advice
/Health
Vegetarian Can Read Own Menu, Thanks
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been a vegetarian for 15 years. It never fails that once a fellow diner finds out this information, they immediately take it upon themselves to read aloud everything on the menu that I am "allowed" to have.
It's as if being a vegetarian means I can no longer read. I often don't divulge my eating preferences because of ...Read more
No Tip Jars At My Party, Please
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I hold an annual party, for which I hire a person to assist me in setting it up, maintaining the buffet and serving drinks. She has always done a great job.
At the most recent party, however, I noticed she had set up a tip jar next to the drinks. I was horrified. I went over and grabbed the jar, then pulled her aside and said...Read more
Share The Sidewalk! It's Not That Hard
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When walking or biking on a sidewalk or a trail, I often encounter three individuals walking or riding abreast. Instead of their moving to single file to let me pass, I'm forced to move aside to the grass or curb.
When I was walking on a narrow pier, keeping to my side, I was approached by this woman walking on my side rather...Read more
Shocking: Man Makes Up A Rule To Justify His Actions
DEAR MISS MANNERS: We threw a small potluck birthday lunch in the break room for one of our co-workers. About four of us contributed; we all work directly with her and know her the best.
We put the leftovers in the fridge, and later in the day, a co-worker who hadn't been at the party helped himself to them.
I'd mentioned that we were each ...Read more
That's It, We're Bringing Back Gloves
DEAR MISS MANNERS: If we renewed the lovely fashion of wearing gloves, people wouldn't have to fear catching germs from shaking hands or appearing rude for refusing.
GENTLE READER: Why didn't Miss Manners think of that?
Not only would it solve the problems you mention, but it would allow her to wallow in a treasure trove of forgotten customs. ...Read more