Eating a cupcake as simple as A, B, C

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Please help me to learn the proper way to eat a cupcake, as I will be attending a few parties where they will be served.

GENTLE READER: Remove any wrapper. Eat — placing the cupcake at an angle that minimizes the buildup of chocolate frosting on your nose. Apply napkin.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My siblings and I are struggling with entertaining members of the extended family who are used to a “camping style” lifestyle.

In an effort to accommodate them, we completely scale back on the crystal and sterling and opt for stainless and regular glass, everyday china and only glasses we need, but like to draw the line at ketchup bottles, plastic bowls, etc., at the dinner table.

Our children say that our more formal (we call it proper!) way of dining makes their in-laws and spouses uncomfortable, even at holiday time. The inlaws say, and I quote, “I’m not even going to try and compete with you!” when we go to their homes.

This is NOT a competition — it’s just how we were raised! So is “dumbing down” necessary, or is there a way to make it known to our children that their in-laws should not be uncomfortable with our lifestyle, just as we are not uncomfortable with theirs in our respective homes?

GENTLE READER: The importance that many people attach to “being comfortable” is matched only by their high-minded horror at hypocrisy.

But Miss Manners fears that pointing out the hypocrisy of using etiquette as a cover for making you do what they want all the time will get you nowhere. Better to explain that you are more comfortable with silver and cloth napkins in your own home, and turn a deaf ear to any muttered accusations of being “oldfashioned.”

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My fiance has a pet peeve over lip smacking when someone eats, and points it out to me just about every time I eat around him.

While I try to tone it down, it is more of a subconscious habit and is not something I am aware of (or even hear) that I am doing until he says something.

It has gotten to the point where I don’t want to eat around him! I am also starting to find that his mentioning it is nearly as rude as my doing it. What are your thoughts?

GENTLE READER: That, as he is rapidly getting to the point where he doesn’t want to eat around you, you occupy separate tables at your wedding reception. Submit your etiquette questions to Miss Manners at dearmissmanners@gmail.com.