Keep a social distance to avoid mask tension

Dear Miss Manners: The science on wearing masks seems inconclusive, leading to nearreligious zealotry on both sides. In public, there is no way to avoid taking a side. Governors, mayors, news anchors and doctors appear on TV hectoring the public to wear masks, while not wearing them themselves.

I can see why people dismiss such guidance and feel the need to take the matter into their own hands. Individuals who would ordinarily mind their own business feel empowered to demand others accommodate their views.

What is a person to do when confronted by busybodies who disagree with their choice?

Gentle Reader: It was to avoid such problems that quarantines used to be (and still have been) given the force of law. When they come in the form of guidance, the best defense for an individual is still citing authority, as in, “I’m doing it because the CDC says it will protect your health.”

Miss Manners cautions against trying to reason with those who prefer the medical advice of politicians and news anchors to that of doctors. The only conflict remaining, then, is with those who are against social distancing — so removing oneself from their vicinity serves a double purpose. Dear Miss Manners: When writing a letter to the first lady of the United States, what is the proper salutation? Gentle Reader: She is properly addressed as “Mrs. Washington.” The only distinction is that it need not be as “Mrs. George Washington,” as everyone knows which Mrs. Washington you mean.

Send questions to Miss Manners’ website: www.missmanners.com; to her email address: dearmiss manners@gmail.com; or through postal mail: Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.