DEAR ABBY: Every member of my family has two children. My husband and I have one child.
At birthday time, we invite 20 cousins to a party, yet only 10 gifts are received -- and they are not doubly expensive either.
Abby, I think each child should give a gift, not just one gift from each family. After all, throughout the year, we give 20 gifts and host 20 children at our child's birthday party.
Fair play would dictate that each child bring a gift -- or at least make the "family" gift slightly more significant.
I hate to appear petty, but after five years of this inequality, I'm angry and disappointed that my relatives haven't figured this out themselves.
Is there a tactful way for me to mention it? -- P.O.'D IN NEW YORK
DEAR P.O.'D: There is no tactful way to remind your relatives that you are spending twice as much for birthday gifts as they are. They surely are aware of it, so for you to "mention" it would be in extremely poor taste.