Item From Long Ago Good For A Laugh
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
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.”
xxxx