Miss Manners: I promised to care for her as a child. Why the constant praise?

A guardian who pledged to care for a disabled relative since childhood is now grappling with an unexpected burden: relentless compliments. Miss Manners, Judith Martin, explores how excessive praise can become more dismissive than supportive.

Miss Manners: Is it rude to decline an invitation I’m not interested in?

Miss Manners, or Judith Martin, addresses whether it is rude to say “no” to an invitation you simply do not want to accept. She offers guidance on maintaining courtesy and honesty without damaging social ties.