Miss Manners: A Gift Conundrum
A reader shares a story of trying to return a gift to a friend, only to have it given back.
Two years ago, the reader and a friend met for lunch to celebrate their birthdays. The friend presented the reader with a card featuring a stylized drawing of a breed of dog they both liked.
She noted that she had to really debate whether she wanted to give it to me, as she liked it so much.
The reader offered to return the card, but the friend refused. The reader kept the card safe, intending to frame it and return it to the friend at a later time.
When they met for their next birthday lunch, the reader reminded the friend of the card and presented it to her. Initially, the friend was pleased, but later complained about having no place to put it in her home.
The reader is left wondering about the etiquette of gift-giving and returning.
Author's summary: A friend's gift is returned, only to be given back.