I would like to know if it’s proper for one person to hand another person a birthday card/Christmas card personally -- not ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the proper etiquette when addressing a salesperson or clerk in a retail setting? I have worked in retail for several years and now run my own store. It is rare that am I ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: From the files of “good manners run amok,” is it ever impolite to be friendly? I work in a bustling environment where my sole 30-minute break is in a shared break room, where I like ...

It seems silly to say, “What are you doing here?” since the answer is obvious, but to ignore them seems equally rude.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What’s the “right” time to throw away greeting cards? When friends or family send birthday or other greeting cards, I generally read them and then throw them away, to my husband’s ...

GENTLE READER: Another friendly SNOW. This necessitates, however, a third reaction in your repertoire, which is a somewhat ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My son’s family and I live in the same town, and we see each other often. When I am entering their home, my daughter-in-law often says, “Sorry about the messy house” or something ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Do people say “How do you do?” anymore when being introduced to someone? The phrase seems to have faded away. If it is no longer used, what should I say when being introduced to ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am an acquaintance of identical twins who look so similar that it is hard to distinguish who is who. We all participate in the same recreational activity, so I am often in a ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a dear friend who, every time I see her, insists on greeting me with a kiss on the lips. When I attempt to turn the other cheek (pun intended), she firmly redirects me back ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A person I have known for many years has just been arrested and charged with horrific crimes. I would not say we were ever close friends, just cordial acquaintances. It seems likely ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What’s the “right” time to throw away greeting cards? When friends or family send birthday or other greeting cards, I generally read them and then throw them away, to my husband’s ...