Democracy Dies in Darkness

Miss Manners: I’m bothered by a fellow guest not touching their dessert

Letter writer is bothered by a fellow guest at a dinner party don’t touching the dessert.

Advice by
, 
and 
May 6, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. EDT
3 min

Dear Miss Manners: I was at a friend’s for dinner. There were seven of us all together, and the host and hostess are quite formal.

A little background to set the mood: We sat outside by the pool, and the table was set with starched linens, lovely china, crystal and sterling silver flatware, along with beautiful candles and fresh flowers. Each course was served individually, as was dessert.