Sometimes you have to—or simply want to—say no. Here’s how to decline an invitation the right way and limit hurt feelings.

When opting out of a gathering, Parker recommends following this formula: acknowledge the invitation; honor something about it, like the host’s creativity or vision; express gratitude for the fact ...

I don’t like bringing attention to my medical issues, especially this one, since it is private and hard to explain.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How do you gently decline Christmas invitations from a friend when the people they invite are all couples and the women don’t really like you? We are all seniors. GENTLE READER: Why ...