Across America|News|
How To Shut Down Nosiness Without Being A Jerk [The Question]
What’s the best way to deflect nosy questions and set boundaries without being rude — or over-explaining yourself?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How To Shut Down Nosiness Without Being A Jerk [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260527/114104/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1973829677___27113909278.jpg)
The Question
The Question is an exclusive Patch series posing a broad array of questions on etiquette and what to do in certain situations — and readers provide the answers. If you have a topic you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com with "The Question" as the subject line.
Across America|News|
Cellphone Etiquette Doesn’t Allow These Rude Habits [The Question]
Some cellphone etiquette guidelines should be obvious, such as not using them in restaurants, stores and public bathrooms, readers said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Cellphone Etiquette Doesn’t Allow These Rude Habits [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260522/043415/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1977846431___22162612231.jpg)
Across America|News|
The New Cellphone Etiquette: What’s Considered Rude? [The Question]
The use of smartphones in social situations is increasingly a flashpoint in manners, but it also raises privacy concerns.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The New Cellphone Etiquette: What’s Considered Rude? [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260514/090137/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1597222678___14205939247.jpg)
Across America|News|
When Grieving, These Words And Deeds Offer Comfort [The Question]
What comforts the grieving most? Respondents to Patch’s informal survey say simple words, shared memories, or just showing up matter most.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Grieving, These Words And Deeds Offer Comfort [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260506/100841/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1189306000___06100600478.jpg)
Across America|News|
What’s The Best Thing To Say To Someone Who Is Grieving? [The Question]
Knowing what not to say when someone is grieving a family member, friend or pet is sometimes easier than finding words that offer comfort.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What’s The Best Thing To Say To Someone Who Is Grieving? [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260428/115939/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-741689236___28115718395.jpg)
Across America|News|
If You Think Someone’s In Danger, Here’s How To Intervene [The Question]
From suspected child abuse to late-night screams for help, readers share what they did or wish they’d done differently in response.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![If You Think Someone’s In Danger, Here’s How To Intervene [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260423/080030/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2014114811___23195740130.jpg)
Across America|News|
What Do You Do If You See A Child — Or Anyone — In Danger? [The Question]
A couple of real-life rescues of abducted children raise the question: Should you get involved directly or call 911 and wait for police?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What Do You Do If You See A Child — Or Anyone — In Danger? [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260415/062120/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1484943293___15181528208.jpg)
Across America|News|
Here’s A Tip — Stop Asking For A Gratuity For Everything [The Question]
From 20% restaurant tips to digital checkout pressure, readers say pandemic-era “tipflation” has reshaped when and how much they tip.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Here’s A Tip — Stop Asking For A Gratuity For Everything [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260409/071821/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2574433039___09191418549.jpg)
Across America|News|
Has The U.S. Gratuity Culture Reached A Tipping Point? The Question
It used to be so simple. Calculate a 15 percent tip on a restaurant bill, and you’re out of there. Has tipping gotten out of control?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
