Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.

GENTLE READER: Ah, the old, “I wasn’t starting my dinner, I was just trying it.” The optics do not really distinguish between ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When serving a steak, the server will often say something along the lines of, “Please cut into the center ...

Mistakes trigger fear due to our evolutionary past and social pressures, but with a shift in mindset, they can be transformed into tools for learning and growth.

My son and his family moved out of my house months ago but refuse to clear stuff out of my garage; an elderly reader is ready ...

I felt uncomfortable cooking for (my husband and myself) without offering anything to the maintenance men who were there. So ...

GENTLE READER: After 50 years, you might let things be. Miss Manners can understand your having waited to be certain your new ...

What do you do when a friend brings their rude adult child to your group—and when your brother drains your aging mother?

Tracy is immature for her age (early 20s), is very negative and critical, and she frequently interrupts to steer ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend of mine has been keeping in touch with me by sending text messages that contain one sentence only: “How are you, Jen?” He never shares anything about himself ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I frequently entertain a small group of friends for light appetizers and dinner. One friend usually arrives with a tobacco pouch in his mouth and places it on his ...