DEAR ABBY: My birthday is in two months, and it's a "big" one. As of today, two people -- a close friend and my mother -- felt the need to tell me that "someone" has planned a surprise birthday party for me.
I am disgusted that they spoiled the surprise. Why would someone want to take the joy out of something that way? I will do my best to act surprised, but it won't be the same.
Abby, please tell your readers they are doing a disservice by doing this. It is not, in my opinion, the behavior of a true friend. -- BIRTHDAY GIRL-TO-BE IN GEORGIA
DEAR BIRTHDAY GIRL-TO-BE: I'll pass along your message, but as your experience shows -- some people just CAN'T keep a secret. Just as you wouldn't put water into a pitcher that leaks, it's a mistake to confide your secrets in the Town Crier. If there is an upside to this, it's that you know there are two of them in your life and who they are. Mum's the word!