Dear Miss Manners >> I am the president of a social club that organizes activities for the LGBTQ community and allies. Our club is part of a regional association of similar social clubs that are not geared towards the LGBTQ community.

Several times a year, the regional association has a social event for all of the regional clubs. Generally, members of our club are warmly welcomed and enjoy participating in these events.

At the last regional event, a prominent member of a different club informed me that, although he “loved” the individual members of our club, he would not be attending any of our club functions because the Bible condemns homosexuality as a sin, and his attendance would be tantamount to condoning sinful behavior.

I’m not sure why he felt compelled to share that view with me. I certainly didn’t solicit it. At the end of the conversation, he asked if he could give me a hug goodbye to show that there were no hard feelings. Flabbergasted, and not wanting to cause a scene, I did hug him.

The next day, I received an email from him stating that he hoped he hadn’t offended me and he looked forward to seeing me at the next regional event. That event is scheduled for a few weeks from now. I have no interest in engaging with this person.

Do you have advice on how to courteously avoid having to interact with him, especially if he approaches me for a conversation?

Gentle Reader >> Since this man has already forgiven himself for the unpleasant interaction and any offense it caused, Miss Manners sees no need for you to indulge his prejudices for even a minute longer.

She suggests that you develop a keen interest in every other person at the event — or even the refreshments, if necessary — whenever you see him approach. But be prepared to step back from any approaching hugs.

Dear Miss Manners >> My landlady is a kind and thoughtful woman. She goes out of her way to ensure the comfort and livelihood of my roommate and me, even going so far as to bring us a big plate of turkey every year on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

However, while I am always — always — effusively grateful and do my best to show her the same considerations, I have never sent a thank-you note. I was simply never taught, and am saddened to think I missed out on so many wonderful opportunities to do so.

I want to start writing thank-you notes as a practice. Is there any decorous way to acknowledge my failure to do so over the past few years and to express my regret? Or would that simply be self-indulgence, detracting from my message of gratitude?

Gentle Reader >> It is not too late to begin the habit — nor is your current situation as bad as you may think. Having thanked your generous landlady in person and reciprocated where possible, writing a letter is not strictly necessary.

But far be it from Miss Manners to deter you from self-improvement, nor from what is apparently much-needed letter-writing practice. Berating oneself or laying out excuses is not, as you say, a gracious way to start a letter of thanks. Rather, you should address the accumulated kindness your landlady has shown.

Contact Miss Manners at dearmissmanners@gmail.com.