Table posture might be corrected with some lively conversation

Dear Miss Manners :My husband sits at the table for dinner with his arm on the table and his head in his hand, which annoys me. If I say anything, he gets angry. Help!

Gentle Reader: Teach him Italian. That or similarly lively conversation will force him to be animated and — Miss Manners hopes — improve his posture, attitude and overall demeanor. At the very least, it will presumably be less annoying for both of you than sullenness and nagging.

Dear Miss Manners: I find it inconvenient not to have a napkin during a meal. Is it unreasonable to expect a host to have them available at the table? May a guest ask for them if they are not on the table?

Gentle Reader: Yes. But Miss Manners finds the phrasing, “I seem to be missing a napkin. May I trouble you for one?” infinitely preferable to “Am I supposed to wipe my hands on your upholstery?”

Dear Miss Manners: I have an unusual name that is mispronounced quite often. I’m always wondering if I should correct the person right away or just go along with it.

Gentle Reader: That depends upon how long you intend the relationship to last. Miss Manners feels certain that prospective employers and paramours are far more likely to result — and less likely to abruptly stall from embarrassment later — by knowing the correct pronunciation of your name.