Dear Amy: My husband and I were married for five years. During the 10 years of our relationship, we grew close to each other’s families.

Our relationship’s demise was really just a function of us growing up and growing apart. Fortunately, we didn’t have children. Our split has been amicable.

I am a fairly talented quilter, and have made some quits that are considered art pieces.

After my ex and I got engaged, his mother had a landmark birthday, and for a gift I gave her a particularly beautiful quilt I’d made (I like her a lot, and at the time I was also trying to impress her).

She sent me a lovely note saying how much she likes the quilt.

The thing is, I would really like to have this piece back. Some of my quilts are getting good prices in online auctions, and this is one I would like to include in my collection.

Do you think I can ask her to give this back to me?

— Wondering Ex

Dear Wondering: Can you ask your former mother-in-law to give this back to you? Yes.

Should you? No.

It was a gift. It should remain so.

You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.