Dear L. A. Plume,

I was out with an associate the other evening and his table manners were less than sterling. In addition to that, he was loud and opinionated. I could see the questioning glances aimed in my direction, but he is an important person in my professional life so I socialize with him for business reasons when necessary. Are people going to judge me by his behavior?
Lolla

Dear L. A. Plume,
I heard through a third party that someone we both know thought I was rude to them by ignoring something they said. I simply didn't hear them. I was wondering why this person had basically stopped speaking to me and now I know why, but the intervening person was asked not to tell me. What kind of nonsense is that and is there anything I can do?
Marge