Miss Manners: Waiter need not know your names

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When my husband and I dine at a restaurant, if the waiter does not give us his name upon greeting us, my husband will ask for it. My husband then proceeds to introduce us to the waiter, saying, “I’m Joe, and this is Jane.”

I find this to be incredibly awkward and even patronizing. It seems unnecessary for the waiter to know our names, as we are not trying to make friends. We’re always friendly to wait staff and we tip well, but we’re ultimately just at the restaurant to enjoy a meal.

Am I wrong – is this introduction proper or appropriate?

GENTLE READER: Not unless your husband intends to invite the waiter to share your meal, in which case Miss Manners wonders who will bring the food.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Nineteen years ago, I moved out of my shared apartment into a studio. At the time I had a buffet/sideboard that did not fit in my new apartment. Some newly married friends offered to take it.

I don’t see these friends but once a year, as we now live around 50 miles apart, but we remain on friendly terms. A number of years ago I did see the sideboard in their dining room and noticed that they had refinished it. Though I have no immediate need for it now, it does match my dining room table and it belonged to my great-aunt Mary. How do I bring up the topic of my sideboard and that I want it back, if not now, eventually?

GENTLE READER: Your description of what happened 19 years ago is hazy on who said what – as, no doubt, is your friends’ memory. Unfortunately, it matters who said what at the time.

You can call in a loan, but you cannot politely request the return of a present. Assuming, however, that it was clearly understood by both parties as a temporary loan, you may remind them of the original agreement. Miss Manners suggests you also express your gratitude for their extended generosity and offer to pay for the refinishing.