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Calling Card

L.A. Plume answers your questions about entertaining, etiquette, and manners in the modern world.

Awkward Invitations, Situations

Written by L.A. Plume
Tuesday, 22 November 2011 13:46
Dear L. A. Plume, I have been invited to a friend’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. This is a lovely invitation as my family lives far away and I would otherwise be alone. However, she is inviting several people I don’t really know – one that I don’t care for – and she isn’t the best of cooks. She wants to prepare every dish herself, giving none of us the opportunity to contribute a favorite food of our own, and she expects me to be her kitchen helper. She is a recovering alcoholic so there won’t even be any wine to dull the pain or encourage cheerfulness, depending upon your outlook.
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Too Much Information

Written by L.A. Plume
Wednesday, 09 November 2011 09:19
Dear Ms. Plume, A dear friend of mine is dating a new person and he, the friend, seems quite happy. She, on the other hand, has tried to worm her way into my confidence so she can get more personal information about him. I have no problem in skirting the questions she asks about his past relationships etc., but the issue is that in her quest to become my “new best friend,” she is telling me way too much about their intimate relationship.
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Pickup Trucks, Homemade Beer & Borrowed Books

Wednesday, 26 October 2011 08:17

Dear Ms. Plume,

I have just moved down this way from the mid-west and have happened onto what I find to be an interesting phenomenon. I’ve had a gentleman caller recently, and every so often he wanders out into the driveway and gets something out of his truck. He’s come back in with a fresh beer, a clean shirt, a tin of cookies, among other things. Just what is going on?

Melle

A Time for Wine

Wednesday, 31 August 2011 10:35

Dear L. A. Plume,

I have a dear old friend who now lives halfway across the country. On occasion, when we happen to be in the same place, he and his wife meet me for dinner. Being old school, he refuses to ever let me pay; although we don’t see each other that often, I have gotten to the point where I am not comfortable with that arrangement and would like to do something in return. We go to restaurants of his choosing where he is known, so my trying to get the check in advance doesn’t work, and would be an embarrassment to him. Any suggestions?

Patty