Dear Annie

Dear Annie: I have a cousin whom I’ve had a cherished lifelong friendship with. We meet several times a year halfway between our homes and sometimes at each other’s homes with our families. We often would bring each other a little something, such as vegetables from our garden or a loaf of bread from our favorite bakery.

The last time she visited my home, I asked her to bring a salad. She brought two salads, a fruit platter, a gift bag with several seasonal home decorations, a set of hand towels and a decanter of fancy hand soap. It was overwhelming.

Before our next meeting, I asked her to please not bring me anything and that I would not accept it if she did. I stated that she is the only gift I need and that she is enough.

She showed up with a gift bag, and when she started handing me