According to Maryam Ghani, ‘Irises symbolise wisdom, hope and faith’ and are ‘often used in more thoughtful or artistic ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been taking time off work to help care for my father, who has incurable cancer. To clients I don’t know well, I’ve said, “I’ll be out of town to help my dad, who is sick.” ...

So yes, some small sign would be good to warn off those who expect you to be jolly. Wearing all black is an option, although ...

(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or ...

So yes, some small sign would be good to warn off those who expect you to be jolly. Wearing all black is an option, although ...

Even a quick line makes the gift more meaningful. “Thanks for your help” or “Hope these brighten your day” gives your flowers some heart. It shows you put real thought into it. Skip anonymous notes ...

I have tried a couple times after she passed away to start writing thank-you cards to those who sent flowers ... and myself during her illness and funeral services and how much I appreciated ...

Although Buddhism waned in influence after the Meiji era (1868–1912), the custom of Buddhist funeral rites remained ... overlook this minor breach of etiquette. People usually carry juzu ...