Navigating Boundaries: Addressing Unwanted Gestures from In-Laws

A reader seeks advice on how to politely ask her mother-in-law to stop patting her head, as it makes her uncomfortable. Miss Manners suggests finding a tactful way to address the issue without hurting her feelings. Another reader seeks guidance on politely declining a vendor's services for their wedding, particularly due to the vendor's suggestion of soliciting tips from guests. Miss Manners advises expressing one's distaste and finding a better fit. Additionally, she dismisses the idea of table visits as a substitute for a receiving line, emphasizing the entertainment value of the latter.