DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently had a birthday party, and one of my friends gave me a gift that I don’t really like. Normally I would just return it or give it away, but she owns the store it is from. Do you think it would be OK for me to thank her for the gift and ask if I could exchange it for something that better matches me? -- Return Gift
DEAR RETURN GIFT: Because your friend owns the store your present is from, it makes sense that she would welcome an exchange of the gift for something else. Be gracious when you let her know what you would like to do. Also, do know that whatever you pick in exchange could cost more than the original item. If that is the case, you will have to pay the difference. On the other hand, if what you select costs less, do not expect to pocket the difference. It was a gift.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)