Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: For my 40th birthday, my sister planned a bowling party. She is very organized, and pre-entered the names of all 12 guests into the lanes (two lanes, six people at each).

She's often hosted at vacation homes, sometimes without the owners present. What sort of gift can she give in thanks?

When I had my hair done, the stylist and her assistant spent the entire time talking over my head. There was no way I could ...

At a bowling party for my 40th birthday, my dad brought his girlfriend. It didn’t take her long to try to take over the whole ...

The sign at the health clinic I visit regularly says tipping the valet is not required — so I don’t. But one day, the valet ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: For my 40th birthday, my sister planned a bowling party. She is very organized, and pre-entered the names ...

But if they are talking pleasantries, you may smile or laugh or add something and see if it takes. There is a good chance ...

Now that we know the dog is going, we want to bow out of the engagement but would prefer to do it in the least hurtful way.

I brought a gift to a wedding shower, but wasn’t then invited to the wedding. So when I received an invite to a “backyard ...

Do we have to invite them to join us at a restaurant at some point? If so, may we try to “dilute” them by inviting others?

No one knew what to say or how to stop her, since we don’t really even know her, and no one wanted her to be uncomfortable.