Trending
Dear Annie: For the 23 years I’ve been married, I’ve cooked dinner for my husband nearly every night. He has no idea how much planning, shopping and cleanup goes into it. I think he thinks the food just appears.
Recently, he’s turned critical about nearly every meal: The chicken’s too dry, the vegetables are too salty. I’ve told him how irritating this is; he just kind of shrugs. I’m about ready to stop cooking for him altogether and let him fend for himself. Is that too petty? -- Done Dishing It Out
Dear Done Dishing: Twenty-three years of doing something doesn’t mean you’re contracted to do it forever, especially once it stops being appreciated.
If he’s so opinionated about his meals, let him take over the kitchen for a while. See how his own cooking holds up to the standards he’s been setting for yours.
Dear Annie: Recently, I attended two separate baby showers. Along with each invitation were two requests: bring a book instead of a card and a pack of diapers of any size for a chance to win a special prize. Am I being unfair in thinking these requests weren’t proper?
I spent a reasonable amount on a very nice baby gift, a gift bag with an attached greeting card and a children’s book, which I was happy to do. However, I didn’t make the additional purchase of diapers.
In both cases, the mothers-to-be and their spouses are mature adults with well-paid, secure jobs and comfortable homes. In addition, both paternal and maternal grandparents are well established. I’d feel differently if there were a financial need -- if a young couple were starting a family -- and, in that case, would gladly fulfill their request.
I’m interested to know your thoughts, along with input from other readers. Is it proper etiquette for a host to ask guests to bring additional gift items? -- Gift-Giver
Dear Gift-Giver: I wouldn’t get too worked up over this one. A book instead of a card and diaper raffles have become pretty common at baby showers, and they’re meant to add to the fun, not the bill. The “chance to win a special prize” makes it pretty clear the diapers were optional, and for families that already have the big-ticket baby gear, diapers are often what they need most.
You handled it just right: You brought a thoughtful gift and a book and skipped the diapers. No harm, no foul.
An invitation can make a suggestion, but that’s all it is. You still get to decide what and how much you want to give.
“Out of Bounds: Estrangement, Boundaries and the Search for Forgiveness” is out now! Annie Lane’s third anthology is for anyone who has lived with anger, estrangement or the deep ache of being wronged -- because forgiveness isn’t for them. It’s for you. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Follow Annie Lane on Instagram at @dearannieofficial. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM