DEAR MISS MANNERS: Over the past several years, I've received graduation announcements from perhaps half a dozen high school seniors whose parents I know. I've sent them my congratulations as well as a modest cash gift. Not one of them has acknowledged or thanked me.
Is it wrong to give up on the future graduates of my acquaintances and decide not to acknowledge any new announcements? Is it wrong to punish them for the rudeness of their predecessors?
GENTLE READER: Yes, but it is so tempting. No doubt they found your modest donation unworthy of their thanks, if they even recognized the need for it.
But Miss Manners assures you that you do not need to test that theory by increasing the amount. Perhaps instead, you can send any future graduates your heartfelt congratulations only -- and leave them shaking out the letter in vain.