Judith Martin

Judith Martin, who goes by the pen name of Miss Manners, is an author and columnist on etiquette authority. Martin graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in English. She began her career in writing as a journalist, covering social events at the White House and embassies, later moving on as a theater and film critic. In 1978, Martin began her advice column, answering questions about manners and etiquette. Martin was the recipient of a 2005 National Humanities Medal from President George W. Bush.

Miss Manners: It’s not your job to critique a coworker’s clothing choices (bunny costumes included)
... she is friendly and goes out of her way to say nice things to people. ... The issue is that this person dresses wildly ...
8h agoJudith Martin
Best of Miss Manners: If a host asks you what you’d like to eat, please say ... ‘whatever is easiest for you’
... she asked me what I would like to eat. I told her not to worry about it; I would get something to eat later.
18h agoJudith Martin

Miss Manners: I offended an elderly couple when I told them I wanted to keep the aisle seat in the pew
Does etiquette dictate that those arriving first to an event held in a church must always move to the middle of the pew?
20h agoJudith Martin
Miss Manners: Engaged woman wonders which of her late father’s relatives should walk her down the aisle
... while your wedding guests would be amused to see multiple devoted escorts on the aisle, they should also find it very touching.
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: Do people say ‘how do you do?’ anymore when being introduced to someone?
If it is no longer used, what should I say when being introduced to someone new?
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: Why do people, especially celebrities, feel the need to post intimate details of their lives?
Those who post continuously don’t understand that social media is the downfall of many relationships.
Judith Martin

Best of Miss Manners: Nope, these newlyweds won’t get money from me for their snorkeling lessons
... they informed friends and family that the last year has been hectic and they’ve made the decision to forgo a reception.
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: Auction ‘junkie’ wonders about complete sets of sterling silver flatware
Did people entertaining with “the good silver” mix utensil designs freely?
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: I’m not sure how to tell a friend that her ‘gift’ doesn’t feel like a gift
It might be a way for her to cut back on spending, as she is giving two “gifts” for the price of one.
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: My boyfriend’s ex stayed with us, broke things and then complained about me
While she was here, I found broken drinking glasses in the garbage, twice, hidden under a paper towel.
Judith Martin

Miss Manners: Student’s manspread angers professor
I worried that it undermined my authority with my colleagues and students.
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: I consider ‘you can come if you want to’ an insulting way to offer an invitation
... it sounds like I am just an afterthought and not really wanted.
Judith Martin

Judith Martin

Miss Manners: It’s not your job to critique a coworker’s clothing choices (bunny costumes included)

Best of Miss Manners: If a host asks you what you’d like to eat, please say ... ‘whatever is easiest for you’

Miss Manners: I offended an elderly couple when I told them I wanted to keep the aisle seat in the pew

Miss Manners: Engaged woman wonders which of her late father’s relatives should walk her down the aisle

Miss Manners: Do people say ‘how do you do?’ anymore when being introduced to someone?

Miss Manners: Why do people, especially celebrities, feel the need to post intimate details of their lives?

Best of Miss Manners: Nope, these newlyweds won’t get money from me for their snorkeling lessons

Miss Manners: Auction ‘junkie’ wonders about complete sets of sterling silver flatware

Miss Manners: I’m not sure how to tell a friend that her ‘gift’ doesn’t feel like a gift

Miss Manners: My boyfriend’s ex stayed with us, broke things and then complained about me

Miss Manners: Student’s manspread angers professor

Miss Manners: I consider ‘you can come if you want to’ an insulting way to offer an invitation

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