DEAR ABBY: I'd like to share my experience with "Roseless Rosie." It had been quite a while since my wonderful, loving husband had given me a gift, and that was bothering me. One day I saw a beautiful book of Georgia O'Keefe prints I wanted. I bought it, and told my husband that I had just bought a present for him to give me for my birthday. His response was: "Thank you. What a relief. I didn't know what to give you, and I didn't want to spend money on something you didn't want."
Now, when it's been a while since I have received a present, I ask if he would be "relieved" if I bought myself something -- or would he rather that I went with him to select something, or does he want to "surprise" me.
When I share this story with good friends, we all laugh and someone usually says, "That's a good idea!" -- IT WORKED FOR ME, RICHLAND, WASH.
DEAR WORKED: I applaud your strong ego and practical thinking. Your letter reminds me of the proverb, "The good Lord helps those who help themselves." Your method takes the stress off your spouse.