DEAR ABBY: My fiance and I live in New York. Her mother sent my aunt, who lives in California, a bridal shower invitation.
My mother thinks it was a flagrant solicitation for a gift. My aunt can't afford multiple trips from coast-to-coast and will now most likely feel obligated to send a gift.
We say, it's only an invitation. We weren't looking for a gift, and we didn't want to leave anyone out.
Who's right? -- SOON-TO-BE-MARRIED GROOM
DEAR GROOM: Your mother. When a shower invitation is received by someone who realistically isn't expected to attend, the person usually feels he or she is being "soaked" for a gift. (And they're usually right.)