Miss Manners: Are my in-laws’ gift requests considered normal?
I resent having to give so much to my husband's family.
Asking Eric: I get anxious about opening gifts in front of people
Can I tell my mother-in-law to take me off her list?
Asking Eric: Her husband drinks so much that she’s afraid to leave him alone
When I encouraged her to make an exit plan, she hung up on me.
Miss Manners: A woman I know was making a scene in a store. Was my reaction appropriate?
I pretended I didn't notice, but I think she saw me.
Asking Eric: He says he’s too anxious to even look for a job
He hasn't worked since his employer died seven years ago.
Miss Manners: We ordered takeout with our rich new friends, and things took an unexpected turn
I suspect the hefty tab was a paltry amount to them.
Miss Manners: I just wanted to look nice at the funeral. Was my choice offensive?
My husband seemed to think so.
Asking Eric: I feel stuck, and I’m weighing divorce after 40-plus years together
Even though we have a wonderful history, I’m not sure I want to live the remainder of my life like this.
Asking Eric: This family is all about bashing the ex, and everybody’s sick of it
Our friends have become insufferable. Getting together becomes a hate festival toward their grandchildren's father.
Miss Manners: If I complain that my doctor is late, they try to make me look stupid
I usually have to cool my heels for a long time — sometimes for close to an hour — before the doctor will see me.