Judith Martin

Judith Martin, who goes by the pen name of Miss Manners, is an author and columnist on etiquette authority. Martin graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in English. She began her career in writing as a journalist, covering social events at the White House and embassies, later moving on as a theater and film critic. In 1978, Martin began her advice column, answering questions about manners and etiquette. Martin was the recipient of a 2005 National Humanities Medal from President George W. Bush.

Miss Manners: Excuse me while I make a call during our holiday dinner
This call lasted 10 to 15 minutes, in the middle of the Seder. What should we have done?
7h agoJudith Martin
Miss Manners: Where do you draw the line between an annoying late cancellation and keeping a commitment?
By the day of the party, I had definitely come down with a cold, with intermittent coughing and nose-blowing.
12h agoJudith Martin

Miss Manners: My husband brought his tablet to our family Easter celebration so he could use it to game
I asked him not to bring it into the relative’s home. His reply was, “I’m an adult; don’t tell me what to do.”
19h agoJudith Martin
Miss Manners: April Fools’ birthday is no joke when it’s yours
I open beautifully wrapped presents, but there’s nothing in the box (APRIL FOOL!), or birthday cards are full of glitter or other messes (APRIL FOOL!).
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: Taking a phone call while participating in game night is no trivial matter for one wife
When I returned to our table about five minutes later, my wife -- usually a rational and levelheaded person -- was uncharacteristically angry.
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: A friend of my parents likes to ‘teach’ people, of all ages, new words. Ick.
Some people might find this acceptable if a child is being taught, but she will do this to adults in their 70s ...
Judith Martin

Miss Manners: Woman in her 30s is tired of people making comments about her gray hair
They’ll say things about how I should dye it to look younger, ask why I don’t dye it, or say I would look so much better with it dyed.
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: My soft-spoken nature attracts big personalities with a desperate need for a sidekick
How do I assert my right to appear fully, in my own life, for these people who just want a shadow of me to clap for them?
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: What is the appropriate greeting in a general letter?
In the past, “Dear Sirs” was often used, or “Dear Sirs/Madams,” but this is not gender-neutral.
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: The woman seated next to me on the bus would NOT stop talking!
What is a polite but FIRM way to disengage a chatty stranger, short of simply putting in my earbuds and ignoring him or her?
Judith Martin

Miss Manners: I had a formal sit-down dinner and one guest was on her phone nearly the whole time
When asked at the end of the party if she had been bored, she said she had had a great time, ...
Judith Martin
Miss Manners: Telemarketers don’t really care how I’m doing and I’m not inclined to share
Is there a polite way to respond without answering their question? And does etiquette demand I respond in kind with an inquiry into their well-being?
Judith Martin

Judith Martin

Miss Manners: Excuse me while I make a call during our holiday dinner

Miss Manners: Where do you draw the line between an annoying late cancellation and keeping a commitment?

Miss Manners: My husband brought his tablet to our family Easter celebration so he could use it to game

Miss Manners: April Fools’ birthday is no joke when it’s yours

Miss Manners: Taking a phone call while participating in game night is no trivial matter for one wife

Miss Manners: A friend of my parents likes to ‘teach’ people, of all ages, new words. Ick.

Miss Manners: Woman in her 30s is tired of people making comments about her gray hair

Miss Manners: My soft-spoken nature attracts big personalities with a desperate need for a sidekick

Miss Manners: What is the appropriate greeting in a general letter?

Miss Manners: The woman seated next to me on the bus would NOT stop talking!

Miss Manners: I had a formal sit-down dinner and one guest was on her phone nearly the whole time

Miss Manners: Telemarketers don’t really care how I’m doing and I’m not inclined to share

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