DEAR ABBY: Last week a girl I knew in high school 10 years ago had a surprise baby. She went to the ER with stomach cramps and found out she was in labor. Mom and baby are doing fine, but now they are throwing an "emergency baby shower."
I rarely speak to this girl. Why should I be expected to get a baby shower gift for her? -- MYSTIFIED IN MICHIGAN
DEAR MYSTIFIED: The baby shower is being given because your old high school chum needs things for the child she wasn't expecting but who arrived anyway. Should you be "expected" to provide a gift? No. But if you did, it would be both generous and kind of you, and I can guarantee that it would be sincerely appreciated.