Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily column at: DearReader.com
AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader
Dear Reader,
"Should I or shouldn't I?"
Jim, a reader at the book club, sent me an email wondering...
"Suzanne, can you assist? My neighbor knitted me a stocking cap for Christmas. It's really very nice, but it's way too small. Should I let her know, or not say anything?"
(Suzanne replies:) Ah, what to do with a gift that's the wrong size, or in the wrong galaxy? What was Great Grandpa thinking when he gave everyone a huge 20 x 20 bulletin board for Christmas? Mine's hidden away in the closet, waiting for an invitation to a "re-gifting" party, like the one my daughter was invited to this past weekend. Everyone brings a gift that didn't fit, or they didn't like and it's re-gifted. Every gift finds a new home. The re-gifting party makes me think I should have an Ugly Garage Sale Thingamajig party. Everyone brings something that was too ugly and embarrassing to sell at their own garage sale. One person's "ugly" is another person's "art." There's a good home waiting for every awful gift.
But back to Jim's question. It's kind of a letdown if you give someone a gift and they don't like it or it doesn't fit. Especially if you've made it. Having said that, my advice is, even if you don't like the gift, offer a VERY enthusiastic, "Thank You." If you're going to fib, you might as well do it up right, wrap it up with a cheerful smile and tie a fancy bow on it. It is the thought that counts. A friend took the time to make or buy you a gift and that's very sweet. Since you really do like the stocking cap, but it just doesn't fit, my advice is to tell your neighbor the truth. Add a little humor: "I love the stocking cap you made for me. Absolutely love it! Unfortunately I've got a big head--runs in the family. No kidding."
I don't know anything about knitting, but perhaps your neighbor could take out some stitching and add to the hat. Or, you could tell your neighbor, if she doesn't mind, you're going to send the hat to your nephew. I bet she'll make you another cap. (But take a tape measure with you to her house.) It might feel awkward, telling her the cap didn't fit, but seriously, I'd want to know. And I bet she would, too.
When you get your new cap (I'm sure your neighbor will knit another one), please send me a photo. I sure would appreciate it.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
* This month's Penguin Classics book is BUTTERFIELD 8 by John O'Hara. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin bookbag. http://www.supportlibrary.com/bc/v.cfm?L=drclassqqxqN1AFE3FA7A11&c=CLASSICS
AUTHORBUZZ: FOREVER WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella (1001 Dark Nights) (Fiction) by Shayla Black
Since introducing Jason and 'Greta' (Gia) in my New York Times bestselling series, Wicked Lovers, I've been fascinated in this couple's story--a billionaire and a police officer who seem to have nothing in common. I found myself pondering--what does their relationship look like? What drew them to one another? What are their stumbling blocks to a happily ever? I'm thrilled to be launching the 1001 Dark Nights series, featuring a different bestselling author each month, and to tell this story I've heard in my heart for so long.
Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on FOREVER WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella to find out more about the book and the author, Shayla Black. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.
Comments