Dear Abby: My friends are pushing to exchange birthday presents even though I cant afford it
DEAR ABBY: I have a group of friends who get together once a month, usually for a casual dinner.Next month’s gathering will be to celebrate three birthdays, one of which is mine.
While planning this gathering (via text), I asked if we could skip exchanging presents and just enjoy our time together.The response from my friends was “No! We’re doing presents.” I know their intention is good; these are very generous friends.
But I’m working only part time and have to pay for my health insurance out of pocket.They said I don’t need to get them presents, but they will be getting me presents, so naturally I feel the pressure to reciprocate.
While I’m not the most creative person, I could get away with making them something, but I’m also a bit put off.Shouldn’t my wishes have been respected since it’s my birthday? — BIRTHDAY GIRL IN MASSACHUSETTSDEAR BIRTHDAY GIRL: Happy birthday! Your friends understand why you don’t want to exchange gifts, and they want to give you something anyway.
They aren’t doing it to pressure you; they’re doing it out of love.If giving them a handcrafted item would help you feel better, that’s fine, but please don’t feel disrespected by their generosity.DEAR ABBY: My husband of two years and I are opposites when it comes to planning.
He’s spontaneous and acts on the spur of the moment.I’m the type who plans everything down to the last nanosecond (slight exaggeration).Everything came to a head last Saturday when he suddenly decided to start a household project at 5 p.m.
We were supposed to meet another couple for an evening out at 7.When he started the project, I reminded him of our date and asked him to let the other couple know that something had come up and we wouldn’t make it.
I thought he had taken care of it until they texted me at 7:15 wanting to know where we were.I texted back, “Been delayed, on my way.” I dressed hurriedly, put on makeup in the car, broke all speed records and arrived there ...