Dear Eric: I am in a second marriage. My husband and I are retired. His family is large and all grown adults. My family is small; similar situation. I have been sending birthday cards, without money, with heartfelt messages to all the nieces and nephews and daughters-in-law for their birthdays for the last 10 years. I have not received one in return. Sometimes I get a text acknowledging the card. Never a card returned. Should I continue this practice?

– Birthday Silence

Dear Birthday: Only if it brings you joy. I can’t imagine getting one card and not reaching out with a thanks, let alone a whole decade’s worth of cards. But, considering how much this comes up in this column, many people do it.

Relationships are two-way streets. If you get satisfaction from sending well-wishes to your loved ones, don’t let their rudeness steal your joy. But, if it’s bothering you, it’s fine to stop.

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Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.