Tough Talk,
My husband and I have no kids so we spoil our niece and always get her what we thought were nice (and pricey) gifts for all her birthdays and holidays. However, she told us that her parents either keep the gift and pass it off as their own present or give them away at birthday parties of her little friends. I’ve always believed that if you give a gift, it should be for the sake of giving and not for attention or recognition. But am I wrong for being offended? (Green Briar, Kentucky)
GB,
You should be terribly offended. Your niece’s parents are selfish and inconsiderate. If this is how they treat your heart-felt gifts, then you need to stop your generosity for this little girl immediately. Never spend more than $5 for the card and gift in the future. I suggest the little figurines at grocery stores or dollar stores where you use quarters. Buy the first piece of crap you see. Use old gift wrap or comics. Don’t trouble yourself over this nonsense any more. And if they don’t like it, tell them to blow it out their precious cornshoots.
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Tough Talk 