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Miss Manners: Perplexing announcements don’t require any response

Perspective by
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January 21, 2019 at 12:00 a.m. EST

Dear Miss Manners: I used to be comfortable about responding to invitations and announcements, but some recent ones from longtime friends have left me wondering:

"We would like to invite you to a wedding concert with some informal dancing (date, time, location). NO PRESENTS, but please bring a potluck finger food that does not need refrigeration plus a bottle of champagne to share. Please do not tell others and RSVP ASAP so we can fill your spot if you cannot come." No mention of any wedding for this decades-long cohabiting couple.