DEAR MISS MANNERS: Several people of my acquaintance are in the habit of offering a rationale for poor behavior, quickly followed by, “But that’s not an excuse.” For example: “I’m sorry I lost my ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Could you suggest alternative replies to “I’m sorry” when one hears bad or unsettling news from family or friends? When one hears “I lost my job,” “My husband has cancer” or other ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I would like to know if there are some alternative phrases to use when someone shares various degrees of bad news. I know that “I’m sorry to hear ...” is a colloquial way to express ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How does one properly express condolences when you are told that a distant family member, who abused you and whom you loathe, has died? “I’m sorry for your loss” seems wrong. I’m ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Could you suggest alternative replies to “I’m sorry” when one hears bad or unsettling news from family or friends? When one hears “I lost my job,” “My husband has cancer” or other ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ve been with my fiance for 16 years. I have a good relationship with his mother, though I wouldn’t call us best friends. We talk and get along well when we go to her house, but ...