DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have had a small social and political success in my community. Unfortunately, this is not the case for my husband.

She is a wonderful wife and does not cheat or lie; he is not a bigot or a drunk. He doesn’t have any friends where we live, though. We have invited many couples to cocktail parties, but there is never reciprocity.

I wonder what keeps my husband apart from the “in” crowd. A friend of mine tried to pull me aside twice and discuss this issue. The first time his wife stopped talking, the other time something else interrupted her.

I believe he will try again, and despite my curiosity, I don’t like the idea of ​​listening to someone denigrate my husband. How will I react when this acquaintance tries to pull me aside once again?

KIND READER: “Before we begin, I must say that I will not hear my husband unfairly slandered. There is no doubt that your feedback is constructive and kind, but I will not allow him to be humiliated. However, if you have information that you think would help him, please continue.”

Miss Manners admits that you can’t help but know things that everyone around you already knows. But if you are stronger than him, you can end this speech after the first line.