life

What’s the Window for Saying, "Thanks"?

Ask Someone Else's Mom by by Susan Writer
by Susan Writer
Ask Someone Else's Mom | January 2nd, 2019

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: In your overall opinion, if a small gift and card is mailed to someone, what is the acceptable amount of time to acknowledge the gift?

I have just one sibling, a brother. We get along fine. He’s a very busy person, but I think he can reply sooner than what he thinks. --- WAITING FOR A THANK YOU

DEAR WAITING FOR A THANK YOU: That your brother is busy is not an excuse for his failing to acknowledge your gifts in a timely fashion. It doesn’t take long to shoot someone an email or text, or simply pick up the phone and call ─ at the least.

If you don’t hear from him within a couple weeks of when you think he should have received your gift, I see nothing wrong with asking point blank if the gift has made it to him. That could trigger his responding with not only a confirmation, but thanks.

Also, make sure you’re setting the example of reaching out to him when you receive something he sends you.

life

Mom Says, "It's Your Turn."

Ask Someone Else's Mom by by Susan Writer
by Susan Writer
Ask Someone Else's Mom | January 1st, 2019

DEAR READERS: In keeping with a popular topic of every New Year, I wanted to turn the tables and ask my readers a question.

Do you have any Year’s resolutions?

Remember to keep it clean, and please be polite. There are other mothers reading this column, and one of them might be yours! --- HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ASEM

life

Kids' Returning/Exchanging Gifts Bugs Mom

Ask Someone Else's Mom by by Susan Writer
by Susan Writer
Ask Someone Else's Mom | December 27th, 2018

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I put a lot of time and effort into choosing and purchasing gifts for my son and daughter and their spouses. Next thing I know, at least half of the gifts have been either exchanged or returned and all my effort is for nothing. For all I know, they’ve already begun getting rid of this Christmas’ gifts. Give me one good reason not to be hurt. --- EXCHANGED GIVER

DEAR EXCHANGED GIVER: No need to feel hurt. Gift-giving is often a hit-or-miss proposition.

In the future, although many people feel they’re impersonal, I say go with cash or gift cards. They’re the one-size-fits-all option that only gets exchanged for something the receiver really wants.

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