Miss Manners: I’m not sure I want to know why no one in our community likes my husband.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have had some minor social and political success in my community. Unfortunately, this is not the case with my husband.

He is a wonderful husband, does not cheat or lie; he is neither a fanatic nor a drunkard. However, here where we live, he has no friends. We invited many couples to cocktails, but there was never any reciprocity.

I’m curious what keeps my husband away from “his” crowd. One guy tried to pull me aside twice to discuss it. The wife stopped the conversation the first time, and the other time something else interrupted it.

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

GENTLE READER: “Before you begin, I must tell you that I will not tolerate unfair slander against my husband. No doubt your feedback is constructive and friendly, but I will not allow it to be insulted. However, if you have information that you think will help him, please continue.

Miss Manners admits that she couldn’t resist knowing what everyone else in your circle already knows. But if you are stronger than her, you can finish this speech after the first line.