Dear Sidney,
I am a single gay man living in a whimsical cabin in the woods. I love my life! However, I find myself hurt by the inactions of my relatives.
For every occasion, I find great delight in sending special cards to nieces and nephews who are still young enough to enjoy a crisp $5 bill. I’m a bit of a crafty, so the envelope and card are embellished with stickers, rhinestones and the like. I take care to go into the post office and have my special holiday and birthday cards weighed by the postal clerk, who always reminds me that “Sorry, but this must be done by hand,” that it won’t go through the machine. And, of course, I pay more for that service.
That said, for some time now – actually, years and years – the recipients have not called to thank me. This point of etiquette is, of course, put on their parents – my brothers and sisters – to see that their offspring spend a few moments on the phone with their uncle to let him know how much they enjoy my thoughtfulness.
Not having children of my own, it is my intent to keep in touch with my family and to be a part of their celebrations through the mail. I really can’t see me taking anyone to Disneyland or to a loudly disturbing arcade. My skin is crawling at the thought. However, as I said in the beginning, my feelings are seriously hurt over the apparent avoidance when it comes to reciprocating my generosity and kindness. What to do?
Uncle Steve in Lake Arrowhead
Dear Steve,
I am answering this one directly from my personal experience as a grandparent.
You are correct. Purposeful or inaction, as you call it, this appalling lack of consideration is on the parents. Shame on them! Quit wasting a crisp Lincoln fin on the unappreciative kids, who by now are probably old enough to at least text their uncle immediately after opening his thoughtful remembrance.
Rim Bowling Lanes here in Crestline has tequila shots for five bucks. I’ll look for you there on Thursday afternoons.
Sidney
Send your questions for Sidney to Sidney@thealpinemountaineer.com or by snail mail to Dear Sidney, The Alpine Mountaineer, P.O. Box 4572, Crestline, CA 92325.
This advice is intended for entertainment purposes only. No animals were harmed in the writing of this column.
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