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Is it rude to chew gum at your place of work or at church? If guests come in chewing gum, what is the proper way to ask them to get rid of it? It is very disgusting to find it on the dinner plate.

My 15 year old son is invited to a sweet 16 party being held at a firehouse and the attire is stated as semi-formal, would it be appropriate for him to wear dress pants, dress shirt & tie, but no jacket?

I am the social chair for my fraternity, and we are thinking about having a beach party only problem is we just got new carpet put in about $10,000 worth. Do you think we should do it?

I've been invited to a semi-formal sweet 16 and i don't know what to wear. I really don't want to wear slacks and a nice top, I want to wear a nice dress- nothing too big just one that you would normally wear to a dinner or something. Would that be good? Or should I stick with the slacks?

My family is invited to a Wedding at a Trump Golf Course at 5PM and the dress is semi-formal. What is appropriate for teenage boys to wear?

I would like to have an etiquette information session with girls on how to dress for formal dinners and interviews. I am sorry to say, but some of the girls do not know how to dress appropriately in this day and age. Do you have any ideas on how to present the session without embarrassing the girls?

I have a small dilemma. I was invited to my fiance's holiday company party. The invitation says semi formal. My other problem is I'm like a size 16, so I have no idea what to wear, and i don't want to wear a dress if I don't have to.

When departing from a social gathering (be it at a home or academic function) is it correct etiquette to quietly leave as to not direct attention that you are leaving, or to thank the host and inform them you are departing. (It is assumed that if the prior is chosen that you thank the host upon your arrival).

Which side does one serve meals and drinks? I knew all this years ago but our family serves buffet style now and I would like to know if I have a sit down dinner from which side of the guest is the meal served and also from which do you serve drinks?

We will be having a casino night and the dress is semi formal, what do I wear?

Is it appropriate to ask to see a letter of recommendation that someone is writing for you before they submit it. We all know that letters of recommendation can be wonderful! But, I am concerned about the possibility of someone messing up in a letter that they write on my behalf. Is it rude to ask to see it before they submit it to a future employer, graduate school, etc?

I am a tall girl and was wondering if it is appropriate to wear heels to a function if they will make me taller than my date? I know to stand tall and be proud, but I am not quite sure if this extended to high heels on a date.

What is the correct placement of silverware on the plate when you have finished your meal?

Is there a standard format for Thank You cards and where could I access the information on how to write them?

My sister consistently calls her little boy "mean Marty" because he is a tough little kid. I want to tell her that it is mean on her part. Do I have the right?

Recently at a family party I saw a male family member who was wearing a hairpiece. I did not know if I should comment on it or not. Do men want to be told about their hairpieces?

The scenario is simple: the office place. Compatible staff working together in close quarters. Enter new employee, a delightful person, good worker, and easy to get along with in most respects. One major bad habit: gum chewing, including occasional popping/cracking. No customer contact, mainly because this person and I share the same office and our job description does not include interacting with customers. How am I to keep my mental sanity?

If I have most registered the name of my company under federal trademark, am I liable for a lawsuit?

Please help me with an argument. Are the knife and fork crossed on the top of the plate to indicate one is finished?

It is so embarrassing sometimes using ketchup in a restaurant. Is there an easy way to get ketchup out of the bottle? Is there a proper way?

I love ketchup on everything from eggs to steak. Is it OK to ask for ketchup at a formal meal?

Recently I attended a large holiday party, and I was confused on how to gracefully eat my food. There were many tables with different foods and small plates at each setting. Is it proper to fill one or two plates?

What is the most appropriate gift to take to the hostess who is giving a party? I am thinking of wine, candy or flowers.

When should children begin to write thank you notes? Is it appropriate for older children to write e-mail thank you notes? What about faxing thank yous?

Recently I overheard someone smartly ask if they would be seated "above the salt." Is this an etiquette term, and if so, what does it mean?

How does one eat and make conversation at the dinner table at the same time without appearing offensive?

Do you take off your sport coat while eating lunch or dinner?

I have been asked by my company to make a presentation in front of a very high-profile business group. Could you give me some quick tips?

Could you cover salutations and closings in correspondence? Is it appropriate to sign "Love" rather than "Sincerely" ?

Years ago I was taught to place my coffee cup upside down to indicate to the server that I do not want coffee. Does this rule still apply today?

Am I supposed to wait for a woman to extend her hand before I initiate the handshake in introductions?

What is "properly dressed" for children attending a formal wedding?

Is there a boundary to tell someone - whether it be a friend or a stranger - that something on their person needs adjusting (e.g. a woman's slip showing, food on a person's chin, or worse yet a man's fly open?)

I do not know if it is because I served my [our] country for four years in the Navy, but I get disgusted when the national anthem is being played and there is a lack of respect. Many men do not remove their hats, women keep on talking, and some people keep walking down the aisle like it is a walk in the park. Why don't they face the flag and place their right hand over their heart while singing?

I have had numerous debates over an obscure issue. My mother says that my brother and I should walk on the street side when walking with a lady. The custom originated, she says, so that if a car drives through a puddle of water and splashes the man is there to shield the woman. Is this still appropriate in social as well as business settings?

Is it the responsibility of a corporate guest to introduce himself/herself to the receptionist upon arrival at a business office? This seems to be an attitude problem on the regional district management level of our corporation.

Is it etiquette to say your name when answering the company telephone?

I am a man and I do not know any etiquette about women's clothing, however, wouldn't you think that a woman would be aware of the shortness of her skirt when she sits down? - especially in a business setting?

How does one refuse alcohol and other unwanted beverages politely?

Please give guidelines about arriving promptly for dinner/social hours/receptions. How are these guidelines different if you are one of the hosts?

Last year I sent quite a few graduation cards to kids, enclosing $20 in each. I only received 2 thank you notes. Then I felt that possibly the $20 was not worthy enough for the ones who did not acknowledge it. This year my child is graduating, so I plan to send many more cards. How much is enough? I do not want to look cheap by not sending enough.

I read somewhere that you are supposed to tip everyone that does you a service. If this were true, that would mean tipping the person who slices your cold cuts, the salesperson who leads you half way through the store to help you find an item, the person who bags your groceries, etc. Does that mean I would have to tip the boy who mows my lawn, my cleaning lady, and the mail carrier? Are you supposed to tip the carpet cleaners, any service repairman, or the men who deliver your furniture? We live in a small town, so does tipping apply to a small town the way it does to a larger one? Please tell me exactly who is supposed to be tipped and exactly how much. Wouldn't this mean that we would have to carry a lot of dollars around?

I was born on February 29th, 1976. Throughout my life I have felt discounted for not having a birthdate to celebrate except for every four year. People tell me that I should look at it as if I am "younger" than my friends. But I feel deprived.

Is it necessary to send a birthday gift to a party you cannot attend?

Is it proper to put lipstick on while dining in a restaurant?

While I was outside last week, I was introduced to a man. I removed my right glove to shake his hand, however, he did not remove his glove. Who was correct?

I am recently engaged and my fiancé wants me to meet all of his friends, of course. My dilemma is when he gets around his old buddies because he forgets that I am there. How can I adjust?

My husband passed away several weeks ago. I have been asked why I continue to wear my wedding rings. Is there a proper time to discontinue wearing them? I was told they should be reversed on the finger. What is the proper thing to do?

Someone told me that there is "condiment etiquette." What does that mean?

When I order a salad for the main course, which fork should I use?

My wife hates it when I flip my tie over my shoulder when I eat. Am I wrong?

At a social function, where should I wear my nametag?

When I am at a party, should I hold my beverage in my right hand or left?

I have sweaty palms and it is embarrassing when I shake hands with people. Any suggestions?

What does one do or how does one respond when on vacation with friends and someone tactfully and pleasantly says, "We are planning a shopping trip tomorrow, however, it is fine if you don't want to go with us." Excuse me, what does that mean?

If you are invited to a birthday party and cannot attend, do you have to send a gift?

Is a curtsy proper today?

Is it proper to extend your hand first when meeting an adult?

Our chapter academic advisor is an elder man, great professor, and very giving when it comes to his time to the chapter and brothers. He also is a member of our AVC. The problem is that he has somewhat of an offending body odor. I don't know if he doesn't bathe, or if he just doesn't send his shirts or suits to the cleaners often enough? The problem is how do we let him know without offending this older gentleman? It is so bad that brothers don't even want to ride in the same car as he when attending out of town events like CLA's or other functions. He does a lot for the chapter so we have to be careful to not offend him. Your suggestion?