I believe that Mary has the right to present herself as she chooses, and I am not at all uncomfortable with her having a beard. But I feel awkward pretending it’s not there.

My question is whether I should acknowledge the change in her appearance, and if so, what is the appropriate thing to say.

Dear Son: Your father and stepmother may have less capacity for making and following through on plans than they once did.

As you note, there’s nothing wrong with the beard. There are times, in professional settings, when a compliment on it might ...

At some point during the two months that I didn’t see Mary, she grew a thick beard that completely covers her chin. When I ...

At some point during the two months that I didn’t see Mary, she grew a thick beard that completely covers her chin.” ...

Dear Eric: I have known “Mary” for almost 10 years. We have a strictly business/professional relationship which requires us to meet several times a year. Although we don’t socialize, we do joke around ...