On 12/25/2016 6:09 PM, jmcquown wrote:
> On 12/21/2016 4:17 PM, wrote:
>> Q: Dear Miss Manners: I have a shared living room/dining space, and a
>> separate breakfast table off my kitchen. However, my formal dining
>> table is always set, but rarely used.
>>
> Are these real questions or just stuff Miss Manners makes up?
From my observation, none of these advice columnists need to make
stuff up.
Growing up, there were people who had elaborate living rooms and
kitchens that were never to be used except to show off. The real
living quarters were in the basement. I figure some having dining
room tables all set with the fine china wouldn't be a stretch.
> I have to wonder how long those table settings sit there, unused. No,
> don't eat there! It's for show! How often does she wash & dust them?
> Is she like Dickens' Miss Haversham, waiting for a bridegroom? Are there
> cobwebs on the silver candelabras? 
It does seem outlandish. Then to write to an advice columnist
about it. The things people write to her, looking for support for
their point of view from an expert in manners. Kooky.
But amusing. She's made some funny comebacks.
nancy