DEAR MISS MANNERS: I got a colonoscopy on Halloween. Most of the staff were in full costume, including the doctors. Think skintight red dresses with Superman capes, Spider-Man bodysuits, etc.

I’m totally OK seeing adults dressed in costume at their kids’ Halloween parties, but at a surgery center? It seems off-putting for everyone to don a costume when I’m about to have a procedure. I’m not a Debbie Downer, and yes, it’s Halloween, but is this the place for it?

There were also nurses with Halloween-themed scrubs, pumpkin earrings, and devil-horn or cat-ear headbands. Those options seem more appropriate.

Do I need to lighten up, or do you agree this is the place and time to maintain professionalism?

GENTLE READER: Eeeewww! Scary!

Miss Manners is referring to the possible outcome of a colonoscopy, which she would think scary enough. Perhaps the hijinks were intended to distract patients from worry.

Personally, she would prefer the medical worry. Surely if ever detached professionalism is needed, it is when one is in the position required for a colonoscopy. It is not the way you want to present yourself to jokesters.

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.