DEAR MISS MANNERS: Every time I go out to eat with a particular friend, and there’s another friend with us, she does the rudest thing. When we are finished eating and are just sitting around the table talking, she will suddenly jump up without warning and say she has to go. It’s always so sudden and so jarring.

She never does it when it’s just the two of us, and I’d gently let her know of my displeasure if she did.

Any suggestions on how I might deal with this discourteous behavior? Or is this just something I must silently and sullenly abide?

GENTLE READER: Jump up just as suddenly and say, “Wait, what?! You’re going?! Is everything OK? Do you need a ride somewhere? HOW CAN WE HELP?”

That oughta put an end to Particular Friend’s sudden departures. Or at least, Miss Manners would think

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