DEAR MISS MANNERS: Last fall, I married my partner of 24 years in another state that allowed gay marriages, as our state did not. Once back, we had a lovely reception at our home and hosted about 100 guests.
We really did not want presents, and after doing some research, decided not to mention anything about gifts on the invitation. We received many great and unique gifts and many gift cards, which were put to good use.
However, we were surprised to receive a number of greeting cards with promises to take us out to dinner to celebrate. Seven months later, not one has made good on their promise.
Not that we are keeping track, but each time we see one of these folks, we hear, "Oh, we still owe you a dinner!"
I politely reply, "You don't owe us a thing, but we would love to go out with you sometime soon!" It is to the point of being very awkward when we see one of these people. We never bring up the forgotten dinner.
I hope young married couples do not receive such promises as gifts. What are your thoughts?
GENTLE READER: That you needn't worry about the awkwardness, which is of their making, and which you have been handling gracefully.
Miss Manners quite agrees with you about such promises. She does not doubt that the desks of many parents now contain prettily decorated but worn slips of paper with Christmas promises from their children for breakfast in bed and other treats.