Dear Amy: I was taught that family does not give bridal or baby showers for family members.

The reasoning is that it appears they are begging for gifts for their family.

What is your opinion about this?

– Proper

Dear Proper: Sigh. In my opinion, that ship has sailed – for many very good and practical reasons having to do with living in the modern world.

Single women have babies. Women in the military have babies. Astronauts have babies. Pregnant women don’t always have the kind of traditional friendship support that would accommodate the sort of event you seem to prefer.

Keep in mind that any guest has the power to simply not attend any event they don’t want to go to.

But attending and sitting in judgment is (still) bad manners. That will never change.

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“Ask Amy” is coming to an end on June 30, 2024, after 21 years. You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.