DEAR ABBY: A friend of mine and I have exchanged birthday cards for many years. Several years ago, she started sending me two cards each year -- one on my birthday and another five or six months later. After a couple more years passed, the "second date" became the only card she sent.
I know I should have said something, but I didn't want to embarrass her. This year on my "birthday" she even called to wish me a happy one.
Is there anything I can do now? My REAL birthday is coming up soon, and I feel bad that I didn't nip this in the bud in the beginning. -- ONE AT A TIME IN WASHINGTON
DEAR ONE: Oh, for Pete's sake! Friends should be able to level with each other without ruining the friendship. If you want to save her from embarrassment, tell her YOU are embarrassed because you didn't say something earlier. Then enjoy a good laugh together.