This open thread is your space to use as you like.  We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.

A: You can’t be the host and ask your guests to pay.  Decide whether you want to host an event or just organize a gathering of friends, with everyone paying his share.  Communicate your intent carefully — “John, would you and Ellen like to meet us at Miramar’s on Saturday night?  We’re asking Frank and Jill to come, too.  We thought it would be fun for the six of us to enjoy a night out together.  Just let me know if you can make it, and I’ll make the reservation.”  By posing it this way, you are the social coordinator rather than the host.  As host, you would send a written invitation or say, “We’re hosting a dinner for Susan at Jackson’s Grill.  Can you join us as our guest?”

This open thread is your space to use as you like.  We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.

A: It’s hard to enjoy a meal, a train ride or any other activity in public when your ears are held hostage by a cell phone blabbermouth.  Sometimes, a pointed look at the talker will get your message across.  Speaking directly to the offender usually is not a good idea — it could lead to an unpleasant confrontation.  Your best bet is to seek help from an authority — a restaurant manager, for example.  He/she may ask the caller to move to the lobby or restroom area.  If the cell phone user is on a train, speak to the conductor.

This open thread is your space to use as you like.  We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.

A: We’ve all been there — that awkward moment when we’re starting to make an introduction but can’t remember a name.  Just say, “I’m so embarrassed.  I have completely forgotten your name.”  If you suspect someone has forgotten your name, one of the kindest gestures you can make is to extend your hand and say “Hello, I’m Jane Smith.  It’s so nice to meet you.”

This open thread is your space to use as you like.  We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.

A: It’s better not to eliminate the tip all together.  However, cutting back on the amount certainly is an acceptable way to show your disapproval.  If you experience problems during the meal, convey them to the waitstaff or the restaurant manager immediately.  If the problem isn’t addressed to your satisfaction, adjust the tip accordingly.  If the problem was resolved successfully, tip the full amount, customarily 15% to 20%.  If the problem wasn’t taken care of or your server was more than generally unsatisfactory, tipping 8% is the “fairest” monetary expression of great dissatisfaction.  According to the IRS, most restaurants report 8% of their income as servers’ tips, so reducing the tip any further costs the server.