Miss Manners: Simplicity, dignity remain virtues today - Mon, 07 May 2012 PST

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been reading about calling-card protocol in a few dusty old etiquette books and something puzzled me. Several authors writing in different time periods indicated that simpler is better when it came to the style of the calling card; they described using simple text, with the person’s name and perhaps an address, being careful to avoid ostentation. If that is so, why is ...

Generosity answered with greed

Dear Miss Manners: I teach at a small school in a close-knit society. As a result, most teachers go together and buy a gift for each of our graduates.

Empty seat presents dilemma

Dear Miss Manners: How, if ever, should a lady offer her seat to a gentleman on public transportation? I continue to be troubled by this scenario: On a subway car, there are two facing rows of three seats. One of these seats is the only unoccupied one in the car.

Standing rules remain for ovations

Dear Miss Manners: When is one obliged to join a standing ovation? My understanding is that standing ovations are reserved for truly outstanding performances, and that applause while seated will suffice as a show of appreciation for other performances.

Perhaps a question of intent

Dear Miss Manners: Is it wrong that the first thing that occurred to me while watching the lovely Audrey Hepburn in the opening scene of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was, “She’s eating while wearing her gloves!”?