DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a middle-aged woman who still gets together with some friends from college several times a year. Due to our inside jokes and reminiscing, we do not include husbands or other family members.

At our last two outings, one woman brought a friend of hers whom no one knew. This woman dominated the conversation, steering it back to her outspoken religious beliefs. In short, it wasn’t the fun, relaxing evening we had planned.

Our friend who brought this guest is oblivious. Is there a polite way to discourage this type of unwanted visitor at our dinners?

GENTLE READER: You may try: “Let’s just keep it to the college friends, since we hate to bore outsiders with our chatter. Maybe you two will be able to talk more freely elsewhere, without us getting in the way.”

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.