DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am single, and when I go out to dinner with a couple, the check is split 50-50. Shouldn’t it be split 1/3 and 2/3? Should this be discussed when dinner plans are made? This happens with both colleagues and social acquaintances. GENTLE READER: Which class did your companions fail -- math or ethics? In either case, Miss Manners believes that they need your help.
If you can grab the check first, you can tell them what they owe; if they get it, you can ask to see it and declare your share. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a niece, Maya, who has been estranged from the family since her teens. After five years, she’s now returned, wanting to be near family.
We are trying to get to know her again, as she is not the same child we knew -- pretty much a stranger. She was a beautiful, smart young lady when she left, but now states she will live as a hippie. Her mom supports this.
She has facial piercings, full underarm hair and multiple visible tattoos. We don’t agree with her life choices, but remain silent. The struggle is with my son’s upcoming wedding.
Maya is excited to attend, but my son is afraid she will dress in a way that her underarm hair and tattoos will be on display. He is concerned that, 1. She will become a spectacle and bring attention to herself with her appearance, and 2.
Someone will remark on her appearance and he will have to defend her on the biggest day of his life. Our whole family is anxious about this. We are a professional family, and ou.
