Living
Why Everyone Thinks They’re Entitled To Your Location (And Your Other Etiquette Questions, Answered)
Welcome to Ask Alison, the column where we tackle the everyday etiquette questions that don’t always come with clear answers. This is where modern manners meet real life: the gray areas of hosting, dining, boundaries, and social dynamics that rarely make it into a rulebook but show up everywhere else.
By Alison Cheperdak3 min read
Each week, I approach reader questions with a simple belief about etiquette, that its purpose is to create comfort and mutual respect, not to enforce flawless behavior. Whether you’re navigating awkward moments at the table, figuring out how to set a boundary without guilt, or wondering what’s polite when the rules feel unclear, you’re in the right place.