Miss Manners: We don’t want to send baby gifts to couples who never thanked us for wedding gifts

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m at the age when many of my friends’ children are getting married. I am always delighted to be invited to celebrate with happy couples and am happy to give a wedding gift to give them a start in life.

Unfortunately, I very rarely receive confirmation of my gifts. This seems to be acceptable behavior.

What to do when an invitation comes to give a gift to your future baby? My lower self would really like to growl that they have the nerve to stick their hands out again, but I value my friendship with their parents.

For now, I took a deep breath, sent a gift and talked about them behind their backs – as decent people do.

Does Miss Manners have a suggestion to politely point out that since they didn’t bother to acknowledge the first gift, subsequent gifts shouldn’t be claimed?

GENTLE READER: Decent people, as you said, do not admonish people directly. They also don’t look for trouble. If any upcoming children do materialize, Miss Manners suggests you politely decline the invitation, either to attend any celebrations or to give a gift.