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Dear Thelma: I recently attended a fund-raising event that included a dinner and dance. The dance floor was small and sometimes very crowded. That didn't to matter to a number of couples who seemed to believe they were auditioning for "Dancing with the Stars." Are my partner and I to make way for them or are they obliged to tone it down when the floor is crowded?

Answer: Common courtesy and common sense tell us that when the dance floor is crowded, everyone should make an effort to keep their dancing compact and their elbows in close. It may even require you to alter your style until more space is available or to move to a more open area if there is one. Respect those around you by doing so.

If you bump into someone or fling your partner into another couple, do apologize and take note of any alterations you need to make to avoid it happening again.

Of course, if a couple is oblivious to this need for dance-courtesy, give them room if only to protect yourself.

Dear Thelma: A manager at work invited my husband and me to attend a benefit dinner as guests at a table purchased by our company. The evening also includes a silent auction to raise funds for the organization holding the benefit. Am I obliged to purchase a silent auction item in exchange for the free evening?

Answer: You are not obliged to purchase a silent auction item. However, there are two points to remember: It is a company table so use your best representational skills and be pleasant to everyone.

While the manager may have invited you because of your interest in the organization or the cause benefiting from the auction to allow you the opportunity to support it, there is no requirement to do so.

Do express your thanks for the evening by sending your manager a letter or e-mail within three or four days. Describe what you enjoyed most and thank him or her for the invitation and the fun evening you shared.

Dear Thelma: If I'm low on cell phone minutes, can I ask people to call me back on a land line?

Answer: If you gave them the cell number, then you should expect their calls at that number. It would be ru/de to ask them to call you back. However, you may ask if you may call them right back, and then you can switch to the land line.

Even during the daily buzz, good manners never go out of style.