Ask Amy: Family business creates ‘family business’
Sometimes I’ll discuss something with her and the next thing I know there is a box at my door with something in it (book, music, etc.) related to a casual comment that I made to her.
Is there a way to tell her I appreciate her friendship but don't want the "stuff?"
— Too Much Stuff!
Dear Too Much: Yes, you can communicate with your friend using the wording you yourself supply: “I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity — all those gifts you’ve sent to me over the years! But I am currently downsizing, so I’m hoping that you and I can confine our giving to only exchanging cards. Can you agree to that?”
Dear Amy: A few years ago, my girlfriend’s friend told her that I was hitting on her. My girlfriend asked her what I did to make her feel that way, she said, “He asked me questions, and when I answered them he followed up with questions about my answers.”
My girlfriend said, “How is that hitting on you?” and her friend said, “Men don’t listen to women, and then ask questions, without wanting something.”
That's probably why my girlfriend and I have been together almost 20 years, while her friend has been divorced twice.
Love your column.
— Dave
Dear Dave: Wait … are you hitting on me? (I love this. Thank you.)
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(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.)
