DEAR MISS MANNERS: I find myself in a unique position of wanting to return a gift to the person who gave it. It was a cookbook given to my late partner, just before his death. It was a very caring and thoughtful gift that I wish the gift-er could or would use for another person.
GENTLE READER: This is a rare occasion where obvious regifting is not considered impolite -- if, Miss Manners notes, it is done kindly and with sensitivity. “My partner adored this gift and used it often,” you can say. “I am sure that he would want you to have it, since you shared such an enthusiasm for cooking.”
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)