Lifestyle

Troublesome Tabby: When are neighbors responsible?

Q: I took care of my neighbor’s cat while she was on vacation, and he wound up ruining one of my chairs.  My…

Greedy Gym Goer: How to deal with an equipment hog

Q: A woman at my health club always holds on the exercise equipment long after she’s finished with it.  She lounges on the…

Dirty Little Secret: When a friend confesses about an affair

Q: During lunch, a married friend started telling me about an affair she’s having.  I cut her off, saying it was wrong and…

Does Mother Know Best?: When everyone has an opinion about your child

Q: When I take my 6-month-old daughter out for a walk in her stroller in our downtown neighborhood, I’m accosted by strangers offering…

Entertaining Trade-off: When you’re always the host

Q: I frequently invite a close friend over for dinner, and it irritates me that she hasn’t extended any invitations in return.  She…

Table Turnoffs: When food gets stuck in your teeth

Q: What should I do if a bit of food gets stuck between my teeth when I’m eating-and what should I say to…

Kid Free Zone: When your party is just for grown ups

Q: When I invited a friend to a cocktail party I was throwing, she made a fuss and said she wouldn’t come without…

Tipping Rules: Is tax included?

Q: My husband says restaurant tips are based on the bill’s total before tax, but I think you tip with the tax added…

Regifting: When is it okay?

Q: I received a coffeemaker two years ago as a housewarming gift, but I don’t drink coffee and have never used it.  Would…

McDonalds Etiquette: How to eat french fries

Q: What’s the correct way to eat french fries? I fear I’m old-fashioned to insist on a fork.

A: Fingers are fine-if you’re using…