ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: In 2011, I had weight loss surgery. It was very successful, and I've managed to keep the weight off. Of course, a lot of people think I "took the easy way" to lose weight, but surgery is not a miracle cure, just a tool.

My best friend has a slight weight problem, or at least she believes she does. I sure don't see her as ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I live in a rural area where cellphone reception and internet service can be spotty, which sometimes results in calls being dropped without warning.

Callers who are accustomed to infallible technology can be baffled by this. I've even been accused of having hung up on someone! But more commonly, an awkward exchange ensues, ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My boyfriend and I live together, with roommates, in a big house. We share the cooking, and due to shift work and other reasons, dinner can be anywhere between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Usually, when dinner is ready, whoever cooked it will send a message in the group chat to call everyone to the table. (People might be spread out on ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A group of six longtime friends planned a get-together at my house including snacks and games. One friend showed up very clearly ill, with a red, runny nose and a pack of tissues, saying, "It's just a cold! I feel fine."

Maybe I should have been more sympathetic, but I instead mentioned that I didn't want to get sick because ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was at a coffeehouse in my neighborhood on a Saturday morning when my congressional representative took a seat two tables over. I had seen him there before, but refrained from approaching him or speaking with him.

I could tell from his informal clothing that he was trying to fit in and not be noticed. But because he took a ...Read more