DEAR ABBY: How do I write thank-you notes for gifts I dislike? No matter how I word it, I end up feeling dishonest and insincere. -- BLOCKED WRITER IN SANTA MONICA
DEAR BLOCKED: It is not dishonest or insincere to thank people for their generosity, or the time and trouble they spend finding a gift for you. If you keep that in mind next time you're faced with the task of writing a thank-you note, I'm sure the words will come more easily.