DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: If I hadn’t seen it, I would never believe it. Last Saturday my sister and a three of our old friends were out at the restaurant we usually go to when we’re all home for a visit. We have been going to this place for years. After we paid the bill, I headed to the restroom and when I came out, I saw one of our friends slipping the tips we left into her bag. Everyone else was out in front of the restaurant waiting for us, with them thinking our friend had gone back to get something she left at the table. Well she certainly did get something.

I mentioned what I saw to my sister, but now we don’t know what to do. Should we tell the others? Should we confront our friend with what I know? --- FRIEND OF A TIP THIEF

DEAR FRIEND OF A TIP THIEF: I can think of a few reasons why your friend took the tip. She could be hard up for cash, she could be greedy, she could think it’s funny. Whatever her motive, it’s not a normal thing to do and you need to talk to her about it, privately. I can’t see what would be gained by mentioning the situation to your other friends until you have a better idea of what’s going on with your tip-taking buddy.

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.

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