DEAR ABBY: A friend of mine bought me a bathrobe. I had told her a while ago that my favorite one had become old, ragged and faded. I also mentioned that I'd had a hard time finding one to replace it that was lightweight enough because most are too warm.
When I opened her gift, I realized that the one she had bought for me was too heavy. I went to exchange it for one in a thinner fabric, but found nothing I liked, so I selected some kitchen utensils because I enjoy cooking and have cooked for her many times.
The next time I saw her, I thanked her and explained what I had done. Now she's upset with me. She says I have hurt her feelings, and she's holding it against me. Was I rude by exchanging her gift, and if so, how can I make it better? Her friendship is important to me. -- TONY IN ALTOONA
DEAR TONY: Apologize to her again, and tell her you're sorry her feelings were hurt. Then ask her what she would have preferred -- to have her gift hanging unused in your closet because it wasn't comfortable, or exchanged for something you could really use. As emotionally vested as she may have been in the bathrobe she selected, if she has a practical bone in her body, she should see it your way.