DEAR MISS MANNERS: At a restaurant, I laid my credit card on the table to signal we were ready to pay. My daughter said that was discourteous and I should wait for the server to bring the bill.

I have done this for years, thinking I am expediting the situation for us all — particularly the server, who may want our table for the next customers. Am I being rude?

GENTLE READER: No — your daughter is being overly fastidious, as daughters sometimes are. But you could also simply ask for the check.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.