DEAR MISS MANNERS: My sweet husband has severe foot issues and absolutely cannot walk without his custom orthotics inserted into his shoes. Every once in a while, we are invited to friends’ houses who ask that shoes not be worn inside.

My husband cannot accommodate this request. Do we decline these invitations? Do we call first and explain our situation? Perhaps you have another suggestion.

GENTLE READER: Unless your hosts have a baby who licks the floor, in which case they should be dealing with that problem, Miss Manners believes they should be able to accommodate this reasonable request.

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