DEAR ABBY: I have a friend with whom I exchange birthday and Christmas gifts. I make a great deal of effort to find things I know she would like, and I have been quite successful. My friend, however, buys me things I suspect she would like for herself.
Example: I'm always hot while she's always chilly. She bought me heavy pajamas and a warm robe for Christmas. I don't like spicy food -- she does. She gave me two large containers of seasoning containing chili pepper. I love to read fiction while she prefers nonfiction. For my birthday I received a book about history.
This kind of exchange has been going on for years, and I don't remember receiving one gift I could really use. What can I say to her? -- PEEVED IN PITTSBURGH
DEAR PEEVED: To say something would be rude. I do have a suggestion, however. On the next gift-giving occasion, give your friend some things you would like. Example: A pretty fan to accessorize a summer dress, a jar of your favorite jam, a novel or two you would enjoy reading -- and then you can agree on a gift exchange. Problem solved.