‘Save the date’ — but wait, you’re not actually invited

the student population using the male restrooms has gotten worse. Increased biohazards from vomit and blood, broken liquor bottles — but the worst is the constant refusal to flush the toilets.

I have talked with staff and students on the need for better hygiene for healthier restrooms for all, posted signs, etc. Staff have talked to students, all to no avail. Management refuses to educate because it isn’t their job to teach restroom habits.

What can I do?

Gentle reader: While Miss Manners can sympathize with educators not wanting to teach this particular lesson, there is another solution: signage in the bathrooms, perhaps saying, “If this is the way you prefer the bathroom be kept, I will try not to disturb your arrangements.”

This will either amuse or annoy the students, but she would have thought that you would not much care which, so long as it brings the problem to their attention.

Dear Miss Manners: Is it ever correct to arrive at a party early? I have always been told no.

However, someone recently said that to arrive 15 minutes early was “Excellent,” as compared with being on time, which was “Acceptable.”

Gentle reader: Have you ever given a party?

It is 15 minutes before the appointed hour — just enough time to check the oven, open the wine and find your shoes.

Knock, knock. “Oh, I’m so glad you could make it. Would you excuse me just a minute? No, wait, I’ll take your coat, but I’ll be right back.”

And so on.

Miss Manners hopes this answers your question.

Dear Miss Manners: I made plans with a friend on maternity leave to visit her and her new little bundle, and I said I would bring lunch.

Now we are playing the game of “I’m good with anything. You decide.” regarding what food I will bring.

While I don’t want to pick up something that she may not like, I am sure she is trying not to dictate an order when she is not the one treating. Who should make the dining decision?

Gentle reader: What if you just bring lunch? It is reasonable to assume that your friend would have told you if she had any food restrictions.

Miss Manners is also guessing that the lady is somewhat busy just now, and while she would appreciate a treat, she does not want to have to plan one.

Dear Miss Manners: I will be receiving European guests who have never eaten lobster, but who are very much into the correct protocol of doing things. Where is the proper place to put utensils such as sharp knives, picks or even nutcrackers that might be needed for the lobsters? I would like them to have the real maritime experience.

Gentle reader: Picks and nutcrackers go to the right, with the knives. Whether this will give your guests the real maritime experience of eating lobsters will, Miss Manners believes, depend on the energy and enthusiasm of your other guests.

shame that tickets to attend events are in excess of $100. People with moderate incomes cannot afford two tickets that end up costing about $250. Dr. Phillips, this is really sad that you cannot serve everyone.

ticked off about the bicycle us running red lights — thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You’ve given me all the more reason to blow through stop signs and red lights now that I know it irks you, mostly because you wish you could, too.

upset at neighbors honking their car horns at all hours. Just a thought, but in case you aren’t aware of this, when people set the alarm on their cars, the horn honks a singular honk. Could this be the case?

off at the lack of affordable housing for seniors and disabled persons. I feel like Orange County has ignored the fact that the senior population is growing as people are living longer. I also feel like disabled persons are left to become homeless and judged in Central Florida. Housing costs are rapidly increasing, but not Social Security checks!

which ticks me off more: Christmas “trees” that remain on some Orlando streetlights in mid-January, or the tax snipe signs at intersections, which started appearing before New Year’s and have been multiplying ever since.