Miss Manners: All the single ladies...are sick of this question 2SEP25

 Hey Miss Manners, all single men are too. I love your answer!!! 

Miss Manners: All the single ladies...are sick of this question

Single woman is tired of being asked about her plans for marriage.

September 2, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. EDTYesterday at 12:00 a.m. EDT

Column by Judith Martin

, 

Nicholas Martin

 and 

Jacobina Martin

Dear Miss Manners: I’m a single woman who is frequently asked about my plans for marriage. The individuals making these inquiries have no business asking this question, let alone hearing the answer.

I typically smile and change the subject without answering their question. A few times, when particularly startled, I have responded with, “I beg your pardon.”

Is there a more polite way to handle this highly impertinent question?

“If this is a proposal, I am sorry to have to disappoint you.”