Classic Ann Landers

Ann Landers
Sat, 14 Jan 2023 21:00:00 -0800
Lifestyle

Dear Ann Landers: Our son and his wife have separated after two months of marriage and will be divorcing shortly. They want to know what to do about the wedding gifts. Should gifts be returned when the marriage does not last six months? Many friends have said their gifts should be kept and that my son and his wife should divide them. Gifts of money were spent already on the honeymoon and on furnishing the house. - Splitsville in Wyoming

Dear Wyoming: According to Letitia Baldrige, foremost authority on etiquette, the couple should keep the gifts. There is always the possibility that they will get back together before the divorce is final, and if not, friends will feel so saddened by the news that a returned gift would make them feel worse.
Updated: Sun Jan 15, 2023

Dear Ann Landers: Our son and his wife have separated after two months of marriage and will be divorcing shortly. They want to know what to do about the wedding gifts. Should gifts be returned when the marriage does not last six months? Many friends have said their gifts should be kept and that my son and his wife should divide them. Gifts of money were spent already on the honeymoon and on furnishing the house. - Splitsville in Wyoming

Dear Wyoming: According to Letitia Baldrige, foremost authority on etiquette, the couple should keep the gifts. There is always the possibility that they will get back together before the divorce is final, and if not, friends will feel so saddened by the news that a returned gift would make them feel worse.

Dear Ann Landers: I am 29 years old and divorced my husband a year ago when I discovered he was a world-class con artist. I have been seeing a therapist and am moving in a healthy direction. I feel I'm getting my confidence back and am enjoying my independence. For the past few months, I have been dating a wonderful man who seems serious about me.

My problem is, I become both excited and frightened when "Clark" and I talk about a future together. My concern is that he makes a very modest salary that barely covers his living expenses. For five years, I was married to a man who spent money as if it grew on trees, and it was up to me to make ends meet.

I had a very good job, but it was never enough. When we split, I swore I'd never allow myself to get in that position again.

Clark is considerate and caring, and we get along great, but I find myself looking for things about him that aren't perfect. I am not sure whether my concern is based on common sense or whether I am simply afraid to marry a man who is down a lot lower on the pay scale than I'd like him to be. I haven't told Clark about my fears because I don't want to hurt his feelings or make him feel inadequate. He believes I am hesitating about a commitment because my past experience soured me on relationships. He thinks I will come around if I have a little more time.

I don't want to end a great relationship, but I don't want to struggle financially like I did before. Please help me sort this out. - Confused in L.A.

Dear L.A.: What you need is time to clear your head. Don't make any hasty decisions. Keep seeing Clark, but don't pass up any opportunities to date others. In due time, you will decide whether your feelings for Clark are strong enough to triumph over the financial insecurity. Let me know how this turns out.