This column originally ran in 2023.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was raised in a world of social graces where you did not ask point-blank questions, except among family or very close friends. This has changed, which mostly doesn’t bother me; people are curious by nature.

The particular question that ruffles me is, “Why are you so dressed up?”

When I am asked this, I am not “dressed up.” I do my hair, do my makeup and wear business casual attire throughout the week.

Currently I am taking business classes, and I also drive a school bus for our district. I am on a high school route, and I feel image is very important. (I feel most of the other drivers dress fairly “slobby” and set a bad example. I hold my tongue on this opinion, though.) Also, I live in a southern climate, so dresses just make sense, but this has led to embarrassing moments of being asked if I wear dresses and skirts for religious purposes.

These are grown adults asking me this, not my students. I can’t get over how rude this is. Is there a way to handle this situation other than to roll my eyes and become sarcastic? Is a polished professional that rare these days?

GENTLE READER: Yes, a polished look is now rare, which is all the more reason to expose high school students to it. And to teach it to grown-ups, whose motive with these questions can only be to lower your standards to meet theirs.

“No,” Miss Manners suggests you explain, “these are everyday clothes. I don’t wear my gym clothes to work.”

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When you invite someone to lunch, on you, isn’t it rude if they ask to bring someone else? It puts you in an awkward position, doesn’t it?

GENTLE READER: Not if you respond, “Not this time -- I was looking forward to a lunch with just the two of us.”

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.