Semi-nude gift irks kin
DEAR ABBY: During a recent family dinner, my uncle presented an odd gift to everyone there. He's in his mid-50s and involved in the community and government of a small town. He and other "public figures" - most of them older - decided to publish a calendar. On each page, there is a nude photo of an aging community luminary posing with strategically placed objects covering his/her "goods." To say the least, the photos are not flattering, funny, or particularly modest.
DEAR ABBY: During a recent family dinner, my uncle presented an odd gift to everyone there. He's in his mid-50s and involved in the community and government of a small town. He and other "public figures" - most of them older - decided to publish a calendar. On each page, there is a nude photo of an aging community luminary posing with strategically placed objects covering his/her "goods." To say the least, the photos are not flattering, funny, or particularly modest.
Not only did my uncle give one to every family member - including my 80-year-old grandparents - but he also took pains to point out his photo. The awkward silence that followed ruined an otherwise nice family dinner.
Did this gift cross the line? Is there a rule of etiquette regarding risque pictures of oneself? And how do I make sure I never have to see any other family members in their birthday suits without my consent?
- Flabbergasted in the Heartland
DEAR FLAB: Personally, I think the premise of the calendar is a hoot. While your uncle may have wanted to "shock" the family, I'm sure he didn't intend to offend anyone. A movie was made a few years ago about a group of older women in an English village who did something similar to raise money for charity.
I'm sorry your family was offended, but I'm sure they'll recover, and so will you. In the future, don't accept any gifts from this relative unless they have a warning label.
Got milk? Not enough for this mom, it seems
DEAR ABBY:
My friend "Sara" invites herself and her two children over to play with mine from time to time. When it's time to have a snack or eat, she and her kids make themselves at home - especially with the milk.
Abby, I work 70 hours a week. My children eat cereal often and love milk, but because of my schedule, I don't get a chance to go grocery shopping as often as I should. How do I politely tell my friend that it's fine to make herself at home, but getting both her children refills without asking is taking it too far?
- Working Mom Out West
DEAR WORKING MOM: If you communicate with Sara outside of her drop-in visits, explain that you love her company but that you don't get to the market often, so when she brings her kids, please also bring a quart of milk.