Dear Ann Landers, Our son and his wife have separated after two months of marriage and will be divorcing shortly. They want to know what to do about the wedding gifts. Should gifts be returned when the marriage does not last six months? Many friends have said their gifts should be kept and that my son and his wife should divide them. Gifts of money were spent already on the honeymoon and on furnishing the house. - Splitsville in Wyoming
Dear Wyoming, According to Letitia Baldrige, foremost authority on etiquette, the couple should keep the gifts. There is always the possibility that they will get back together before the divorce is final, and if not, friends will feel so saddened by the news that a returned gift would make them feel worse.
Hi! It's Margo here. I'd love to know what you think of the letters -- and the answers!
Also, any additional thoughts you might have. Thanks!
Please share your comments below:
Our Reader to Reader Question of the Week:
Dear Readers, , takes them to the emergency room in the middle of the night and listens to them when they have problems. You are never around during a crisis. Your timing is perfect. The real trouble started when you couldn’t find time to listen when she wanted to tell you how unhappy she was. It was then that she came to me-a nervous wreck with nobody to talk to. Our friendship began because I listened. Within six months, we were in love. I would marry her in a minute, but she says she just couldn’t do that to her family. It would be too disruptive, too painful to too many people. So, we keep stealing golden moments, and I am grateful for every one. I showed her this letter, and she said, “Mail it if you want to. He’ll never recognize himself. He thinks he’s perfect.” So, here it is. Mean-while, I hope you never wake up, you idiot. -Half a Loaf in Greenwich
