From noisy restaurant tables to overstaying relatives, Jenna Bush Hager’s witty guide shows there’s a graceful—and funny—way to survive any awkward encounter.QN

Jenna Bush Hager, the host of TODAY With Jenna and Friends, and guest host Willie Geist, co-anchor of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, are featured in our “Modern Manners for Your Social Dilemmas” column in the November 2025 issue of REAL SIMPLE magazine. Jenna and her guest host dish out honest, heartfelt advice on air (watch them live on weekdays at 10 a.m. ET). Then check out their advice on a variety of social quandaries—including what to say to a friend who ghosted you.

Want advice on a sticky social situation? Email Jenna at [email protected], and she and her guest might offer up some sage advice for you in an upcoming issue of REAL SIMPLE.

How to Handle a Guest Who’s Overstayed Their Welcome

Brenda asks… My mother-in-law has been coming to visit for years, and her stays are getting longer and longer. Last year, she stayed with us for more than four months! She makes no attempt to befriend anyone outside our home. She doesn’t help with housework and has a completely different diet than my husband and I. I know she’s my husband’s mother and I respect that, but this is too long for a houseguest in my opinion. Also: She left our guest room full of her stuff, as if it were her room. Help!

Willie Geist: First of all, a four-month stay isn’t a visit—that’s essentially a temporary move! Whatever we want to call it, this situation really falls on your husband. It’s his mother, and he needs to take responsibility for having that conversation with her.

Jenna Bush Hager: You should have an open, honest conversation with your husband, and begin on a positive note. Try saying something like “I love your mom, and she’s a big part of our lives—but four months feels like a lot to me. Do you agree?” This frames the issue in a respectful way while also putting the ball in his court.

WG: If there are mitigating circumstances, like a health issue or another reason why she needs to be there, that’s a different conversation entirely. If this is just an extended visit without any extenuating circumstances, then your husband needs to be the one to address it, for sure. This already sounds like too much of your probl

How to Avoid a Loud Crowd While Dining Out

Evon asks… On many occasions, my husband and I go out for lunch or dinner at a nice restaurant and wind up getting seated next to loud, noisy, or offensive patrons. I would like to dine in peace with my husband, and I’m unsure of the best way to handle these situations without making them worse. Do you have any advice for us?

JBH: I think the location of your table can make a big difference. If you’re seated near the bar or next to large parties, it’s more likely to be noisy. It’s perfectly OK to politely ask the host if you can be moved to a quieter spot, like a table in a corner. What’s the worst that could happen?

WG: That’s exactly what I was going to say. As you’re being walked to your table, pay attention to the surroundings. If it seems like you’re being seated in a loud area, it’s fine to ask, “Are there any quieter tables available?” It’s much easier to make that request before you’re seated.

JBH: I agree with Willie on this one. The best plan is to pay attention while you’re walking to the table. If that’s not possible, you can respectfully ask to move before you order your food.

How to Reach Out to a Friend Who Ghosted Your Invitation

Amy asks… Let’s say you’ve invited someone to a party you’re planning and you don’t hear back from them. How long do you wait to follow up? And is it OK to call them out on their ghosting?

WG: I think it’s absolutely fine to follow up a few days later or a few days before the party, but there’s no need to call it “ghosting.” Instead, you could say something like “This may have gotten lost in your emails. I’m having people over on Saturday. Do you think you’ll be able to join?” It’s a gentle reminder that keeps the tone friendly.

JBH: Yeah, it’s totally appropriate to follow up, and I’d do it with a light touch. Everyone misses texts or emails sometimes. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget to reply even after seeing the message. Most of the time, it’s not intentional or personal.

How to Deal With Unwanted Gifts

Robin asks… My son’s mother-in-law sends me and my husband gifts. It’s unnecessary, I know money is tight for her, and I feel like I have to reciprocate. I’m at the point in my life where less is more and we’re getting rid of stuff. This woman and I are not close; we live in different cities, and we don’t get together socially. I need to find a gentle way to ask her to stop. Any ideas?

WG: I recommend going through your kids. They can bring it up to her in a kind, appreciative way. You can suggest they say something like “They’re so grateful for your thoughtfulness, but they really don’t expect gifts and are trying to keep things simple these days.” You don’t have to be the one to say something directly, especially since you’re not that close. A little distance can help soften the message.

JBH: Exactly. A direct conversation between the two of you could hurt her feelings. Some people are gift givers. That’s probably her thing, and it might sound ungrateful to tell her you don’t want the gifts. I would go to your son to say something. The other option is to just keep letting her give you gifts if that’s what brings her joy. Who cares? That’s what regifting is for! And you’re under zero obligation to get her something back.

WG: I’ve been in a similar situation, and I actually do think it’s best to just let it go. Most of the time, it’s not hurting anyone, and trying to stop it might create more awkwardness than it solves. Accept the gifts!