CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Growing up, I was taught that when someone gives you food, cookies, etc. in a returnable container, you should return it with something inside.

I enjoy cooking and baking and tend to bring things to my friends and co-workers — not just when they are sick or become parents, but also when I know they are having a rough time mentally or when I’ve made something I think they’ll enjoy.

Sometimes my containers are not returned, sometimes they are returned dirty, and other times just empty. I often don’t notice until I’m already home. If it’s a container I really like or use often, I ask for it to be returned. If it’s an aluminum pan or takeout container, I don’t expect it to be returned.

I’ve started removing some people from my “gifting” list. Am I wrong? Is it expected to

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