My two daughters (ages 23 and 34) are beautiful and talented women. They work hard and usually make me proud -- except on their birthdays. For the past several years, on their respective birthdays, ...

I grew up believing that a standing ovation was an expression of appreciation for a truly extraordinary performance.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Over the years, I have noticed that at most live performances -- from professional concerts and operas to ...

GENTLE READER: No, you do not need to stand for a “meh” performance. But Miss Manners also knows that sometimes one has no ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Over the years, I have noticed that at most live performances — from professional concerts and operas to dance recitals and school plays — the audience automatically gives a ...

As their parent, you have the obligation, in Miss Manners’ opinion, to tell them that you find this embarrassing. When they inevitably plead that “everyone does it,” you maintain that that argument ...

In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to whether a reader should give a standing ovation ...

Dear Miss Manners: We have a small half-bathroom downstairs that is mainly used by guests. As a courtesy, I usually have period products readily available to visitors. For larger gatherings, I’ve had ...

I usually say simply, “What a nice surprise,” but I am then left to shuffle place cards, add settings (often unmatched) and ...

In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin gives a polite way to respond after a reader is asked about a ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a single man who inherited, from my parents and grandparents, both a love of entertaining and also a great deal of the trappings needed — china, crystal, linen, silver — that ...

I am a single man who inherited, from my parents and grandparents, both a love of entertaining and also a great deal of the trappings needed -- china, crystal, linen, silver -- that other relatives ...