Dear L.A. Plume,

I went to a dinner party at a friend’s home this evening and was astounded to find that one of the guests produced an iPad in the middle of cocktails before dinner. She was unknown to most of us, but dominated the conversation in her corner. When that impact didn’t seem to do the trick, she brought out her iPad, asked for the hosts' internet connection and password and proceeded to “show off” photos of her boat and house and horse. Ick! What could we have done to discourage this?

Lee

Dear L. A. Plume,

For the past four years we have met friends for a January vacation; this year they appeared with boxes of Christmas presents for us. We’ve never exchanged gifts in the past, I don’t know why this year they changed the custom but it left us empty handed and embarrassed. Should I try to make up for it, and if so - how?

Sandy