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

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 ...

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

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.

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).

Dad’s girlfriend showed up to the letter writer’s bowling birthday party and took over. Dear Miss Manners: For my 40th ...

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?

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have been friends for many years with a married couple and their adult son. They are a very wealthy and ...

For decades, my group of friends has gotten together at restaurants, but we each pay our own checks. Is there anything wrong ...

I have a number of friends I regularly meet for meals out, as well as for friends’ birthdays. We’ ve been friends for going on 40 years and first began socializing after college, when all of us were ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a number of friends I regularly meet for meals out, as well as for friends’ birthdays. We’ve been ...

In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to a host that would like to clean up the party.