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Social Etiquette and Good Manners/Questions

SubjectDate AskedExpert
Toddler "No Gift" Party4/19/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: I was recently invited to a morning Playgroup Party for a child in our regular playgroup who was ...
  A: You did EXACTLY the right thing as did the hostess. Drive around any neighborhood in America on a ...
Eating shrimp on skewers4/19/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: What is the proper way to eat shrimp that is served on skewers?
  A: I have no idea why,but this question won't stop popping up as unanswered even though I have 'sent ...
laundry days4/4/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: Let's suppose I am on vacation, and far away from home, and needed to use the laundromat. Is it ...
  A: It all depends on how busy the laundromat is. Clearly, if the place is empty or only half full,go ...
Furneral Etiquette4/3/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: After some one dies what is the proper order of responsiblity for making furneral/memorial ...
  A: Jay, Please accept my sincerest sympathy on the death of your brother. The brothers should ask ...
fashion4/3/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: What is the difference between black tie optional, formal, and semi-formal?
  A: Black Tie Optional: Is not as strong a statement for formal attire as "Black Tie" or "Black Tie ...
Table etiquette3/25/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: Gamble, I come from a country where 75% of the scolding time from our parents is related to your ...
  A: Never apologize for being excited about etiquette! Yes,it is our custom here in America to keep one ...
Mother-in-law rude?3/10/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: My mother-in-law is a piece of work. Her birthday was last week and she emailed her 2 children (my ...
  A: Please forgive the tardy reply,I got the flu after avoiding it all winter! Guess I let my guard ...
Registering for a Birthday2/23/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: I was recently invited to a friend's 33rd birthday party by his wife. The party is really just a ...
  A: Simons, MADNESS. What is the world coming to? No guest should have to 'pay for the privilege' of ...
anniversary2/22/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: My parents will be celebrating their 30th anniversary early this summer. My sisters and I would ...
  A: While it is very sweet of you and your sisters to want to give your parents a trip,you may not ...
death of office member's family2/22/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: My fiance' dated a co-worker in 1998. They dated for 3 to 4 months. They still work together for ...
  A: Elizabeth, He should go to the 'calling hours' and stay for a few minutes. Hopefully he can pick ...
Sharing Popcorn ?2/21/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: I recently went to the movies with my wife and a new friend from work. I bought popcorn and snacks. ...
  A: Wow! Not only rude,but disgusting,too. Why he would think that it as okay to get grabby with your ...
Etiquette2/21/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: Etiquette Quiz 1. When in a dark theater, and there is no usher, the man should: a. Walk behind ...
  A: Mark, I am really torn about answering this one. We are not supposed to do 'homework' ...
Etiquette Changes following a War2/17/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: Elmer, What changes do you forecast in etiquette following the war in Iraq and Afghanistan? A ...
  A: In the on going effort to redefine etiquette in the 21st century,it has come to us here at the ...
Friends Sick Husband2/17/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: I have a friend whose husband had surgery for a brain tumor. I am casual friends with this person ...
  A: I wouldn't go to the hospital if you are only a casual friend of the patient's wife. Brain surgery ...
engagement ring2/16/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: AFter a woman marries, which side of the wedding ring does she wear her engagement ring on? That is ...
  A: The wedding ring is the BIG deal. I know,it's not flashy,but that's the one on which the vows before ...
opposite families2/15/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: Gamble, I hope you are able to help me. My fiance and I have a long term engagement and are madly ...
  A: You cannot tell your beloved "Darling,I am worried that your family is going to get into a drunken ...
death- what do I send2/10/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: A coworker's husband just died of complications from a liver transplant. I would like to send her ...
  A: Do send a handwritten sympathy note to your co-worker expressing your sorrow and let her know that ...
Inlaw Baby Shower2/8/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: My sister in law is expecting this summer. However, we have not exactly ever gotten along, not even ...
  A: Hmm..I have one of those. The mantra you have to adopt and repeat is "I love my brother,I love my ...
General manners in any given situation2/6/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: I have put down a few questions in this email as opposed to just one. Please would you oblige? 1) ...
  A: I will answer your questions by number. 1. Before leaving a farewell dinner, guests should make ...
polite but not a push-over?2/5/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: Allaire, I believe that I have a problem with being too polite, or perhaps I've never learned how ...
  A: It can be very frustrating to call people and not have them return your calls. You are absolutely ...
Telephone Manners2/3/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: Is it impolite for me to end a conversation when I received rather than placed the call? My mother ...
  A: You are certainly not alone. This is a a common occurrence and it can be an uncomfortable one, ...
inviting to dinner2/1/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: I'm planning a surprise dinner for my mom at a restaurant. I'm a student and have a part-time job. ...
  A: Yes,you are the hostess of the party,so the burden of paying falls to you. For EVERYTHING. ...
Wedding etiquette1/31/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: My fiancee and I are currently sending out wedding invitations. One of my mother's close friends ...
  A: Your compassion and kindness are very thoughtful in this extremely sad situation. Hand write a ...
telephone procedues1/27/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: when calling somene house, how should I initiate the conversation after they answer and say hello.
  A: Jackson, When calling someone on the telephone, after the person says "hello", the caller should ...
grooming1/20/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: What is proper ettiquette for applying lipstick in public?
  A: Bolder, The proper etiquette for applying lipstick in public is DON'T! Any grooming, such as ...
Social interaction1/20/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: I am a 50+ woman, formerly married (good marriage) and ending a long relationship (10+ years. I am ...
  A: Congratulations on knowing who you are and what you want out of life! When "well-meaning" people ...
bithday gift1/17/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: I'm a college freshman, and I was pretty good friends with a boy when his birthday rolled around in ...
  A: Happy Birthday! Athough you are disappointed, under the circumstances since you are no longer as ...
Intrusive Guests1/17/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: My husband and I have been married for 3 years now. His parents recently moved away when his dad ...
  A: Unfortunately, until your husband is 100% with you on this topic, you are going to be perceived as ...
Intrusive Guests1/15/2005Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: My husband and I have been married for 3 years now. His parents recently moved away when his dad ...
  A: Before I can give you a complete answer, I need to know where your husband stands on this issue. Is ...
Roses for Valentines1/3/2005Amanda Gamble
  Q: Is it ok to give a guy roses for Valentines Day? Thanks
  A: Absolutely it is okay to give a man flowers. I would NOT suggest roses though. Too expensive around ...
family relationships12/26/2004Amanda Gamble
  Q: Here is my situration, I'm usually caught in the middle of family members who disagree. I hate this ...
  A: Wooo boy. That's a mess. It was not inappropriate for the girlfriend to send a graduation invitation ...
Addressing an invitation12/24/2004Amanda Gamble
  Q: My Wife and I are planning a party. One of our friends is in the middle of a divorce and separated ...
  A: As John is going through a divorce,I doubt that he wants to bring the soon to be ex Mrs! ...
Signatures on cards/letters12/22/2004Amanda Gamble
  Q: I would like to know the proper order in which to list the names of family members when signing a ...
  A: You have been doing just fine without my help! That is the standard (and traditional) way to sign ...
Office Etiquette12/21/2004Amanda Gamble
  Q: I have been working for my boss for less than 2 months. His mother passed away yesterday. What is ...
  A: Can any of you attend the calling hours or funeral? The calling hours are a brief stay to let him ...
Dinner Etiquette12/17/2004Amanda Gamble
  Q: We have been invited by our next door neighbors to their home for an informal dinner. I know that it ...
  A: If you want to give flowers either give them the day before or the day after. To bring them is to ...
Dinner/Ballet etiquette12/15/2004Amanda Gamble
  Q: I always get nervous going out for meal dates as I feel like I'm going to do something to embarrass ...
  A: OKAY--part two! You've made it to the theatre a half an hour before the curtain. THEY will have a ...
General Dinner Manners12/15/2004Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: I always get nervous going out for meal dates as I feel like I'm going to do something to embarrass ...
  A: Once you know the basic rules of dining and the Dos and Don'ts, you should feel much more confident. ...
Wedding etiquette12/15/2004Amanda Gamble
  Q: My sister is getting married in February. Both she and her fiance are older and have an establised ...
  A: Please forgive my tardy reply. I meant to put myself on 'vacation' status until after the holdiays, ...
Wedding etiquette12/15/2004Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: My sister is getting married in February. Both she and her fiance are older and have an establised ...
  A: As much as your sister and future brother-in-law would like to have people donate to a charity, any ...
Good Manners12/14/2004Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
  Q: I am 51. My close friend is 42. She very seldom says 'please'. She will say 'can you get me that ...
  A: Hawkins, This obviously has been a long time coming and you have been a patient friend. The whole ...

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Social Etiquette and Good Manners

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Amanda Gamble

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Expertise

I will answer any etiquette question you`d care to ask! I will be happy to give friendly non-judgmental advice on any situation. Certain cultures and religions that outside of my personal scope of knowledge but I usually know whom to ask when I have a question. Time specific questions may or may not get answered by your deadline.

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I have been writing a daily etiquette advice column for 12 years. I have taught as well as given lectures on the subject.

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Life and other institutions.

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