DEAR ABBY: What is the protocol when you are regifted something you bought someone (birthday, Christmas, etc.)? I have no problems with my gift being kept, sold, donated or gifted to someone else. But given back to me?! I found the surprise regift hurtful and insulting.
How should I respond since I am the one who bought it in the first place? Normally I'd send a thank-you note. Should I reply with sarcasm, be ironic or find a regift of my own? Thoughts, please. -- DISTRAUGHT IN NEW YORK
DEAR DISTRAUGHT: It's possible the person had forgotten from whom the gift was received and didn't realize it was being sent to the original giver. Try to dig deep and find your sense of humor when you respond. If it were me, I'd compliment the giver on what "great taste" she had, comment on the color or the usefulness of the item, and then thank the person for taking the time and effort to select something I would enjoy and sign off with love.