In-law reaction to cancer treatment creates rift
I hope you are not serious that it would be better for this man to stay home than join in a family celebration empty-handed.
You could attempt to coach him to always bring a card with him. Cards make nice keepsakes for all of the events you mention. But a gift should not be required at any of these celebrations.
Dear Amy: I thought you were snarky in your response to "Wondering," the woman who reported that her live-in guy's mother, "Betty," came to their house every day, took care of their dogs and rearranged their furniture and cupboards while doing so.
This woman should not be in their house at all.
-- Upset
Dear Upset: This couple was accepting "Betty's" free doggy day care. I suggested that "Upset" should communicate her concerns to Betty, but otherwise it might be worth it to put up with what she called "minor annoyances."
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Amy Dickinson, c/o Tribune Content Agency, 16650 Westgrove Drive, Suite 175, Addison, Texas, 75001. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)