DEAR MISS MANNERS: As I was dropping my two toddlers off at school this morning, I noticed another parent with what appeared to be red play dough or some other squishy substance smashed onto the back of his shirt. I do not know this parent, and I did not know whether to alert him to the state of his shirt. He may have been aware already, or he could have been having a rough morning and would not have been receptive to my notification. Or he could have swung home to change his shirt before he headed to his next stop.

As a mom of two young boys, I know that I have walked around unaware of food or some other substance my kids’ sticky little hands placed on my clothing. On some of those days, I would have appreciated someone telling me, but on other days, I think I would (internally) respond with total annoyance (but a pleasant head nod outwardly).

What does Miss Manners recommend when I face this situation again in the future?

GENTLE READER: You are annoyed when a stranger tries to save you future embarrassment? Miss Manners supposes it is your own business — if it is truly not apparent on your face.

Telling the other parent before he makes his presentation to the board of trustees is a kindness. Doing so is not mandatory, however, which is all the more reason not to discourage it when you are the stickee.

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.