DEAR ABBY: I have a family friend whose son has been engaged twice, to two different women. The first engagement was broken off by him, and the second by his fiancee.
Each time, his family threw him an engagement party (which he wanted) -- and I was invited to both. Each time, as is customary, I bought a gift for the happy couple. Neither one was returned after the engagement was broken.
The first party was a pleasure to attend. The second one I found slightly awkward, but I wanted to be supportive of my friend. I brought a gift the second time because I didn't want to be impolite.
If my friend's son becomes engaged a third time and has an engagement party to which I am invited, am I obligated to bring a gift? -- POLITE PARTY GUEST
DEAR POLITE: No. I think by now you have given enough. And considering how your friend's son's luck has been after these engagement parties, I can't imagine his family inviting the same people a third time and expecting them to give him anything more than their good wishes.