DEAR ABBY: My fiance canceled our wedding two weeks prior to the wedding. We are going our separate ways.
I am uncertain what to do with the wedding shower gifts I received four months ago. My fiance and I bought a home, which I will continue to live in, and some of the items have already been used. My family and close friends have indicated that they do not want their gifts returned, but I am concerned about the other gifts we received. (Two wedding gifts received in advance are being returned.)
I feel as though I should at least offer to return the gifts or reimburse each person. However, I can't be sure who gave me exactly what. The cards and receipts were removed from the boxes, and the gift list prepared at my shower is not very detailed.
With the shock and devastation of my relationship ending, I am still worried about proper etiquette. Please tell me how to handle this. -- L.A. IN BETHLEHEM, PA.
DEAR L.A.: The best way to handle this is in a straightforward manner. Call the shower guests and explain that the wedding is off -- and that the gift list from the shower is not as detailed as it ought to be. Then ask what each person's gift was -- and if it has been used, offer to reimburse the money. I predict that most of the givers will refuse the offer.