Dear Eric: In the past, you’ve suggested to writers that they stop sending cards, gifts, checks, et cetera, when the recipient cannot bother to even acknowledge them. I agree, but what about this: I have teenage and young adult grandchildren in two different families. Seven altogether. Out of each family, only one will kindly say thank you or acknowledge the gift. His or her siblings do not. Do I follow through with your advice and only send the lone thoughtful adult child cards? Even though they’re all adults or near adulthood, they all live at home with parents. If I single one or two out (the thoughtful ones) I’m sure I will be considered the rude, “bad guy!” What do you think?

—Gift Giver

Dear Giver: First, you’re not obligated to send gifts. Gift-giving is an extension of a relation

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