Survivor of family dysfunction seeks closure
Later that evening, I opened the gifts.
Inside the Tiffany bag were two anniversary cards and a small salt and pepper shaker set shaped like pigs, which my friend purchased while on a recent vacation (I used to collect pigs, but told everyone years ago that I no longer do).
I returned the gift and Tiffany bag to her, telling her I had no use for this.
Is it OK to bring a $2 gift to a special occasion in a Tiffany's gift bag?
-- Upset
Dear Upset: This Tiffany gift bag has really been a trigger for you.
Yes, it is OK to use a Tiffany gift bag to house other gifts, but your (presumably now ex) friend created an obvious fiction by using the bag, and then insulted you with what was inside. That is not cool.
It was rude of you to return the gift, but in this case, the disrespect may be proportional.
Dear Amy: This phrase in your reply to "Lost Woman in the West" brought tears to my eyes: "Spend time with friends, and in nature. Books, movies, art and music will touch that part of you that is dormant -- your sense of wonder and joy."
-- Grateful
Dear Grateful: It works for me.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
