Dear Ann Landers: The letter from the woman whose husband was a little too cozy with his secretary reminded me of an item I stuck away a long time ago. I thought you might get a kick out of it.
H.R. in Sugar Land, Texas
Dear Sugar: I roared. Please send anything else you may have “stuck away.” Here’s your item:
Expense Account
April 1 — Ad for stenographer, $10
April 5 — Flowers for stenographer, $20
April 9 — Weekly salary for stenographer, $150
April 10 — Hosiery for stenographer, $5
April 11 — Candy for wife, $1.50
April 12 — Lunch with stenographer, $20
April 13 — Weekly salary for stenographer, $175
April 19 — Movies — self and wife, $12
April 20 — Theater tickets — self and stenographer, $95
April 21 — Coca-Cola for wife, $0.50
May 2 — Champagne and dinner with stenographer, $80
May 3 — Dorothy’s salary, $200
May 6 — Champagne and dinner with Dotty, $110
June 27 — Doctor, $850
June 28 — Fur coat for wife, $3,400
June 29 — Ad for male stenographer, $10
SAYING NO THANK YOU TO GIFTS
Dear Ann Landers: I have been reading your column for years and have yet to see this situation addressed. How can I endure the discomfort of having to accept unwanted gifts?
My family and friends think I am a freak of nature because I do not like to receive gifts of any kind. They think I just don’t know how to say thank you. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I was born into a waste-not, want-not generation and reared in a small Protestant environment where I was taught that it is a greater blessing to give than to receive. At the same time, I felt sinful in receiving gifts when so many others had nothing. And of course, as we are trained, so we grow.
For those who enjoy getting presents, I am happy to give generous gifts. But at a gathering where presents are exchanged, I prefer to be a spectator rather than a participant. If I can fulfill others’ wishes, why can’t they be considerate of mine? Am I wrong?
Sensible in Indianapolis
Dear Indianapolis: People who are uncomfortable about receiving gifts need to understand that they are denying others the pleasure of giving. They must also understand that the inability to accept a gift graciously is rooted in low self-esteem. They feel they don’t deserve anything. I hope by acknowledging the truth in what I have written, you will be able to soften your attitude and be a more gracious recipient.
Gem of the Day: A few visits to the orthodontist give new meaning to the phrase “putting your money where your mouth is.”
———-
Have trouble sleeping at night and don’t want to get involved in a novel? “A Collection of My Favorite Gems of the Day” is the perfect bed-stand mate. Send a self-addressed, long, business-size envelope and a check or money order for $5.25 (this includes postage and handling) to: Collection, c/o Ann Landers, P.O. Box 11562, Chicago, Ill. 60611-0562 (in Canada, $6.25).
