DEAR MISS MANNERS: I just received a Christmas card and wedding "save the date" card from someone I don't know. Yet they had our names and address.
So as people do in this day and age, I searched the last name on Facebook, and found that it is the son of my cousin's daughter who is getting married. Heck, I have only seen this cousin maybe five times in my life (and I am 55), have never even met her kids, so of course not her kids' kids.
Are we obligated to send a wedding gift? (We won't be attending.) I was shocked to receive an invite and Xmas card from a total stranger, not to mention to be invited to a wedding of her son.
GENTLE READER: Perhaps lulled by the spirit of the season, Miss Manners would like to declare Benefit of the Doubt Day. Perhaps your relatives merely thought this would be an occasion to become acquainted.
At any rate, a wedding invitation is neither a subpoena nor a bill. As you have not yet been invited, you owe nothing. However, a return Christmas card extending congratulations would be gracious.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)