oi a ° 3, MISS "MANNERS DEAR MiSS MANNERS ~ I feel lef out of social functions when they have so much high-calorie food. Don’t: you think times have changed and people are more con- scious of the fact that ceriain foods aren't good for them? I realize the young and healthy can enjoy high-calorie food. But I feel it isn’t worth a tip to an event if alf I can put on my plate is lettuce and perhaps a roll. I cer- tainly don’t “wish to take some other food that would distury my health. i feel it would be nice if an in- vitation had the menu listed, with Sume variety of food. What do you think? If I refuse to par- ticipate in an event, am I still obliged to send a gift? GENTLE READER You have a really warm, loving social life, don’t you? All you care about is your friends, Miss Man- ners gathers, Jt is true that considerate hosts should. offer refreshment that they hope will be. pleasing to their guests. And it is certainly also true - that many people are know- ledgeable about nutrition now, and many watch their caloric in- take, so it is espedially sensible to- offer simple, nuurishing foods. But guests who feel that going out is only worthwhile if they are Quay hosts art contest ON SUNDAY, February 14 from noon to 4 p.m., Lonsdale Quay Market and Share Our Strength Food Booth will host a public Children’s Art Competition. The competition is to raise awareness ‘of the Market Food Booth with the, theme being “Food and Hunger Awareness.”’ Children under 13 are invited to come 10 the Market 10 design their own masterpiece, The winning masterpiece (Ist prize) will be used throughout Canada and the United States to symbolize Share Our Strength Market booths. The image will be put on T-shirts and stationery and sold at Share Our Strength Market ‘Booths to raise funds to feed the needy. Presently, there are two other booths in Washington, D.C. and Philideljshia, with others preparing to open. < : Checolate Valentine’s Day goodi«s will be given to all contes- tants, plus prizes of Lonsdale Quay Market gift ‘certificates ($50 and $25) will be awarded for first and second place winners. While the competition is taking place, there will be face-painting by Chameleon Character Faces and entertainment by Joey Manion, - : For more information call Janet at 985-2191 or Tracey at 641- 1481. 993 ~ North Shore News ES SSW ET eR PEEL able to eat what they choose should be going to. restaurants, nol visiting. People with private kitchens can never hope to please everyone at onee, however much they may try. Being with friends, not getting a custom-ordered meal, is the ob- ject of private entertainment. Restaurateurs, in contrast, do provide menus and take special orders. What is more, they do not expect to be given presents. Miss Manners imagines you would find their dinners more to your liking. DEAR NIEISS MANNERS — I have a friend and frequent *‘wed- ding date’’ who insists that he has a year from the day of a wedding in which to give the newlyweds their present. : 1 find this extremely embarrass-~ ing — we urrive at a wedding without a gift, without having sent one in advance. and he obviously has no intention of yelling one in the near future. (When I invite him, I provide the pif; when he invites me, he provides the gift.) He insists it is a common rule of etiquette, If it is. Mve never heard of if, and it seems rather tacky to me, He you dida't enjoy the wedding, would you then send a Jess expensive gift? GENTLE READER Your question strikes Miss Manners as a puzzle, in which she is expected to identify all the hidden etiquette errors, These are just about every custom you seem to take for granted. The only correct thing in your story is the rule you so scornfully *t please everyone doubt -—- about having a year in which to give a wedding present. Indeed, presents may be sent vefore or up until a year after the wedding, just as your friend said. (There is no such leeway about their being acknowledged: Thank-you fetters are due the minute the present is opened.) Contrary to your statements, neither presents nor people unknown to the bridal families should be brought to a wedding. Miss Manners knows it is possible that those issuing the wedding invitations have declared each one good for two people. But in the absence of such social recklessness, you should not assume that anybody's wedding is an occasion for you to entertain someone they don't even know. Presents. sent before the wee ding are properly addressed to the bride. and afterward to the brid- al couple. They are supposed to reflect the giver’s warm feelings ubout the couple, not their critical assessment of the quality of the occasion. DEAR MISS MANNERS — My moin says it’s rude to point at people in’ public. Can you tell me why? GENTLE READER — Certain- ly. But would you be so kind first as to extract your finger from Miss Manners’ eye? Yes, she realizes that you have not actually pinpointed her quite as closely as that. However, being pointed at gives one the feeling you have, and it is not a pleasant feeling. CHEV KIDS! If you are looking for 4 way to earn your own cash, | can help!