DEAR ABBY: Graduation time is here. My senior is blissfully happy to be graduating from high school. She addressed her own announcements and sent them to family and friends of her choosing.
I would like to send a message to the recipients of the millions of announcements that will arrive during these next few weeks: Please take these announcements for what they are -- they are NOT a request for gifts.
My daughter is thrilled to be going through this rite of passage. I remember how I felt a few years ago when I began receiving announcements from the children of friends, wondering if a present or monetary gift was expected. Well, THIS senior's parent wants to say: Please just be happy for the graduating student. Thanks, Abby. -- PROUD OF MY GRAD IN VIRGINIA
DEAR PROUD: When someone receives a graduation announcement, one should do more than "be happy." Good manners dictate that the announcement should not be ignored. At the least, a card or letter of congratulations is in order. (Gifts are optional.)