DEAR MISS MANNERS: Our family holds an annual reunion, and the members take turns hosting it. One night of a reunion weekend is usually a nice dinner.
Our cousins were hosting this year’s reunion dinner and a few of their friends arrived right before the meal. These guests were not family members and more than half of the family did not know them.
These people were very nice and we enjoyed their company, but none of us knew that non-family members would be invited, and it was not a priority to invite friends to our family gatherings.
Some of us found it inappropriate, but we wonder what Miss Manners thinks. Should we say anything to the hosts?
GENTLE READER: You could ask them if this is a new precedent: “We were so happy to meet your friends, but I think some family members were surprised and confused that we made new ones. Should we open our reunions to others from now on?”
However, if the friends were pleasant, Miss Manners sees no reason to exclude them fundamentally. You might even find it more fun to have them there. Most families behave better when there is company outside.
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DEAR MISS MANERS: The owners of a business I did some work for hosted a company barbecue and asked guests to sign up and bring food.
I was impressed and didn’t expect it for several reasons: 1. The staff creates the owners income for them. 2. Registration form? Really?? And 3. The owners are VERY rich. Catering would be very affordable.
GENTLE READER: This company may want to get more effective ways to thank their employees. Miss Manners suggests they fill out a registration form.
(Send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or by mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
COPYRIGHT 2025 JUDITH MARTIN
DISTRIBUTED BY ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500
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