DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the proper time frame to send out thank-you notes after a baby shower?
GENTLE READER: You probably expect tender-hearted Miss Manners to do whatever she ethically can to lessen the burden on expectant mothers.
No such luck. The most she will concede is that if the guest of honor is exhausted after the shower, she may wait until the next morning to write the hostess and those who gave her presents. If this is put off any longer, the lady will argue that she doesn't feel well, she has too much to do to get ready for the baby, and then that she is too busy caring for the baby. And her example risks condoning thanklessness in yet another generation.
(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.)