etiquette epitome of incomprehensibility Is the casual side of etiquette harder to get the hang of? I wonder. People don't always spell it out, it changes easily, and introverted types might not get as much practice. Point is, I was invited to a birthday party for a poet and her partner; I know her but not him, and I'm happy to go, but... Ah, do not unnerve yourself. I've got part of the protocol: for casual house parties, if you're not the host's especial friend, you don't want to show up too early or stay too late. So an official 8-to-midnight time means being there around 8:30-11:30. And the important thing they spelled out in the invite, at least in shorthand: potluck, BYOB ("we don't expect gifts, but bring a snack or drink"). 240522 what's it to you? who go blather from