Ask Amy: Guest is baffled by the need to shower
Dear Petty?: Remember this: Anyone can ask for anything. It’s a free country!
But receiving a request does not obligate you to do anything about it, except to politely RSVP to an invitation.
Back in the Stone Age when I was an expectant mother, baby showers were held in someone’s living room; gifts were opened in front of the guests and a parade of tiny onesies were held up for everyone to appreciate. The guests were thanked and acknowledged at the time and – if the expectant mother was savvy and polite – a note would be sent to each of the guests afterward.
My insight into modern baby showers comes from a few I’ve attended more recently which are held in banquet halls and attended by dozens of women. Unwrapped gifts are placed on a table and guests pick up their pre-printed “thank you” note on the way out of the venue.
(I do like the trend toward not wrapping gifts at these huge events, due to the waste.)
Registries can be extremely helpful (they tell you what the recipient wants or needs), but you are not obligated to buy a gift off of a registry.
Dear Amy: I need a gut check.
I’ve been with my girlfriend, “Stella” for three years. We are in our late-20’s.
Stella is great. She is gorgeous and loving and very nice. Everyone loves her. I do, too.
The problem I’m having is that she is extremely gullible. She believes whatever conspiracy nonsense has most recently floated through her social media feed. Most of this misinformation has to do with health-related issues and because she follows and comments on it, she is fed more of it.
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