DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am pregnant, and I’d like to host a coed party to celebrate it. Not a baby shower: I do not want any gifts, and I do not want anyone else to have to shoulder the burden of hosting. And not a gender-reveal party, because I think they are a little embarrassing and emphasize something that isn’t important to me. So that’s out, too. What do I call this party?

GENTLE READER: You have to name the baby, but what makes you think you have to name the party?

Miss Manners knows the answer. Cooperative dinners and restaurant excursions have taken over ordinary socializing, to the exclusion of just-for-fun parties. The exception is milestone celebrations, so you feel you must name one — but as you note, those come with expectations.

You just want to have a pleasant time with your friends. To that end, Miss Manners suggests that you simply call it “a party.”

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.