DEAR MISS MANNERS: When live musicians are performing during the dinner hour at a restaurant, is it rude not to applaud after each number, or should the music simply be considered part of the ambience?

GENTLE READER: The artists will understand if you do not drop your fork every five minutes to stop and applaud. And the servers will appreciate it.

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DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am one of a group of friends who have known each other for 30+ years, from early middle age into what are now our “golden years.” We’ve been through a lot together, supported each other through individual struggles, and been there for the good times, too.

We are all now widowed, but still get together regularly to enjoy plays, operas, dinners out and to celebrate each others’ birthdays. These are occasions for us

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