Miss Manners: My fun party game went off the rails when my guest was arrested

Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 8:31 am

Party Game Turns Sour, Miss Manners Weighs In

A recent advice column from Miss Manners highlights a cautionary tale of a party game gone awry. The letter writer, motivated by a personal experience with an impaired driver, attempted to prevent drunk driving at a party by implementing a breathalyzer game. Guests who tested near or above the legal limit were offered a free ride home.

The situation escalated when one guest, testing significantly over the legal limit, refused the offered ride and attempted to drive. Despite the host's warning, the guest drove and was subsequently arrested after the host called the authorities. The incident, unsurprisingly, disrupted the party, with some guests criticizing the host's actions.

Miss Manners' response is critical of the host's approach, suggesting the game framed drunk driving as a joke. The etiquette expert advises against such methods, recommending alternative strategies. These include limiting alcohol consumption, enlisting the help of a sober guest to assist an impaired individual, or, if necessary, refraining from serving alcohol altogether.

The column also addresses a separate query concerning maintaining friendships with individuals who are disliked by others. The letter writer, who embraces "unusual people," seeks advice on how to respond to questions about these friendships without justifying them. Miss Manners suggests a simple, direct approach: responding with a shrug, a smile, and the statement "Because I like her." If the questioning persists, the response can be delivered with increasing irritation.

BNN's Perspective:

While the host's intentions were admirable, the execution of the party game was flawed. The incident underscores the complexities of social responsibility and the importance of clear communication. Miss Manners' advice provides a valuable framework for navigating similar situations, emphasizing the need for proactive measures and a nuanced approach to social interactions.

Keywords: party, drunk driving, breathalyzer, impaired driving, Miss Manners, etiquette, social responsibility, friendship, alcohol, guests, advice, arrest, legal limit, game

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