DEAR MISS MANNERS: In groups, my mother tends to suggest things that someone could tell the others about: “Bill and Sarah have some exciting news!” or “Bob and Laura might be making a change soon, too!”

This has led to more than one awkward moment when someone clearly did not want to talk about a situation, or else they would have mentioned it on their own. How to handle this?

GENTLE READER: If you cannot restrain your mother — and Miss Manners supposes that you have tried, only to be told that shy people appreciate being prompted — you can become her co-anchor.

That would consist of saying, “We’re going to take a break now” while shooting a sympathetic look to her targets and beginning another subject.

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.