ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Friends and strangers often say to me, "Your hair is really long." While this is better than "you look tired," it is still not exactly a compliment, so I don't feel right saying "thank you."

Is there anything more interesting to say than "yes, it is"?

GENTLE READER: There are many more interesting responses. But as you are ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We were driving in a rural area with two grandkids in the back seat. One of them vomited.

We deemed the narrow shoulders of the state highway unsafe for a stop, so we made a right turn into the first available road. That road had no shoulder at all, so we turned again. What we thought was another rural road turned out to be ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a college student at a small, private art school, and work part-time at the school's reception desk, receiving and directing phone calls and visitors. When dealing with rude and polite callers alike, I greet them with a pleasant tone and promptly answer their questions to the best of my ability.

What concerns me are the ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My summer internship went great and I've been hired! But I'm afraid I'm going to ruin it because my boss takes new hires out to lunch at her exclusive club. I had to buy a tie, which is fine, but I just know I'll use the wrong fork. Help!

GENTLE READER: Only if you promise never again to use that meaningless cliche about the ...Read more