DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was shopping with a friend who ran into someone she knew, and with whom she began a “catching up” conversation. I was approximately three cart lengths behind them, in a narrow aisle, while my friend and her acquaintance chatted for nearly 10 minutes.

I was not introduced to the acquaintance, and they were talking so fast that there was no pause during which I could introduce myself. They never glanced at me, but out of politeness, I kept eyes on them and smiled as if I was part of the conversation, when clearly I was not.

What is the best thing to do in this situation? Interrupting their conversation to introduce myself seems rude. Is it rude to start looking at items on display, or to move on and shop in another aisle?

GENTLE READER: “I’ll just leave you two to catch up while I go pinch some produce. Meet you in the cereal aisle, Marsha?” Miss Manners suggests you say this regardless of whether or not you are actually being acknowledged.

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.