MISS MANNERS by Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Two years ago, a friend and I met for lunch and to celebrate our birthdays. She presented me with a card that featured a stylized drawing of a breed of dog whom we both are fond of. As she gave me the card, she noted that she had to really debate whether she wanted to give it to me, as she liked it so much.

I allowed that it was a nice card, but if she really wanted it, she could keep it. She refused the offer, so I kept the card safe, thinking that I would frame it for her and she could have it back.

When we met for our next birthday lunch, I reminded her of the card and how she had been reticent to give it to me. I said that I had kept it safe, then presented her with the picture. Initially, sh

See Full Page