Baby shower brings on the Showerzillas
Dear Steve: Generally, at a shower guests don't worry so much about reciprocating for the cost of the party (although as showers have become ever-more elaborate, they have also become ever-more expensive).
I think a group gift from these family members sounds fine, depending on what it is.
If it was so expensive that no one person could have covered the cost, then it only makes sense to share it.
A sterling silver picture frame? Definitely. A set of dish towels? Not so much.
Dear Amy: "Upset" was a mother-in-law who mistakenly left her daughter-in-law out of a family photo after a vow renewal ceremony.
For seven years, (seven!), after my husband and I were married, I was always told to "step out" of his family's photos: ("It's a family-only photo, so can you just sit over there").
Other in-laws were included, but I never was.
It was a second marriage for both of us and there may have been some disapproval involved but this was very hurtful to me.
Eventually, I was invited into the photos, but I used a favorite Barbara Bush zinger: "No thanks. I'm good."
-- Left Out
Dear Left Out: Dear Mrs. Bush was a zinger machine.
I love this one.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: ASKAMY@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
