DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ve been notified of a friend’s engagement. Others have stated that a gift is in order, some having already sent one. Is this something new?
I thought that simply offering congratulations was sufficient for an engagement. As it is, I intend to send a present to the bridal shower and then another for the wedding. She’ll also be having a baby shower before she walks down the aisle, and I will be shopping for that event, too.
How many gifts do I need to be giving here?
GENTLE READER: Technically, none: Presents are not actually required. But Miss Manners raises no objection if you have already steeled yourself for three presents.
That the necessity for a fourth gift was expressed not by the friend, but by unnamed (and incorrect) “others,” should make it easy enough to ignore.
(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.)