DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are hurt and angry about a thank-you note our niece sent us for the $50 we gave her for her high school graduation. Her friends might think it was funny, but we don't.
The note read: "Uncle Jack and Aunt Judy: Thank you for the dollars and the card. Screw college! The cash will be used on wiser things, like a trip to Acapulco, Mexico (and alcohol). Love, Sally."
Should we let Sally and her mother know how we feel? Or should we just give her gifts instead of money from now on? -- IRRITATED IN MICHIGAN
DEAR IRRITATED: Don't be so hard on your niece. She is no doubt feeling independent now that she is about to be out on her own, and she was trying to be funny. At least you received a thank-you note. There is nothing to be gained by confronting Sally and her mother. And by all means, in the future, send her gifts instead of cash if you're afraid she'll spend the money frivolously.