Ask Amy: Dating after divorce exposes extreme vulnerability
It was a quick and short introduction with no other interaction.
I am invited to the baby shower, but I feel uncomfortable with this as I do not know the daughter and will not know anyone at the shower except my friend.
I believe invites to the shower should be for family and friends of the expectant mother.
Is it proper to be invited to a shower where you do not know the person?
– Uncomfortable
Dear Uncomfortable: It sounds to me as if the prospective grandmother is trying to spread out her own joy by including at least one of her own friends in the shower guest list.
Baby showers seem to have grown from being modest affairs hosted in someone’s living room to full-blown “events.”
I can’t comment on whether it is “proper” for you to be invited to this shower. It is, however, proper to respond promptly to an invitation, expressing your appreciation for the invitation, as well as your polite regrets: “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it, but congratulations, Grandma! I hope everyone has a great and joyful time.”
Dear Amy: Your response to "Retired Recipient” about receiving unwanted gifts missed an opportunity.
“Retired” could donate these gifts to a women's shelter or other charity organization, and then thank her friend for making the donation possible.
– A Faithful Reader
Dear Faithful: “Retired Recipient” was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of gifts from this casual friend, and the fact that she had asked her friend to stop.
I like your suggestion.
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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.)
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