DEAR ABBY: A woman at work is having a baby. I didn't get around to contributing to her group gift. I also didn't sign the card or mention my omission at the time of the baby shower.
A few days later I received a thank-you note. The mother-to-be obviously assumed I contributed. Money is extremely tight right now. Saving the $20 I was going to spend will help my budget. I don't think anyone picked up on my faux pas. Should I keep quiet? -- CONFLICTED IN MINNESOTA
DEAR CONFLICTED: You didn't commit a faux pas; you chose to abstain. I see no reason to announce that you didn't participate in the baby gift. Not contributing because it would have caused financial strain wasn't a breach of etiquette; it was prudent. If your name wasn't on the gift card, you misled no one.