Etiquette rules offer flexibility

Dear Miss Manners: I don’t understand why you advise people not to mention price except in matters of business. I’d hate to think that I may purchase a new auto and later realize that a friend had purchased the same car for a much lower price. Would you consider reconsidering?

Gentle Reader: This will not be necessary after you reconsider your notion of etiquette.

Like many people, you assume that its rules are so crudely fashioned as to be inflexible, regardless of circumstances. We need that rule. Aren’t you sick of being asked by strangers what you paid for your shoes?

All the same, etiquette, like its harsher cousin the law, recognizes extenuating circumstances.

You could get away with saying, “I’m thinking of buying a car like that. Do you mind my asking how much you paid for it?”