Let's Call This Behavior 'Facebook-Standby'

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New technologies open new gray areas. Etiquette creep: requiring you to remain all times on "facebook-standby."

DEAR ABBY: The world is changing quickly thanks to the digital technology available to us. We all understand the importance of an RSVP, attendance at a celebration and a gift to the host on a mailed-out invitation. What do you think about Facebook invitations to wedding receptions, graduation parties, etc.? Most are sent out to masses of friends on the person's friends list. Do you consider those to be official invitations, requiring an RSVP, attendance and gift? -- WAITING FOR MY SNAIL MAIL

DEAR WAITING: Regardless of how the invitation is delivered, the polite response is to accept or refuse and not keep the sender hanging. If you choose to attend, a gift would be in order if the occasion requires one.

Nobody should have to live their lives on facebook-standby. It was nice of your friend to throw a party and she owed you an email invite at the least.

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