Dear Annie: A gift of knowledge for a bride was well-received

Dear Annie: I have a friend whose son was taking a job across the country after his wedding. She hosted a bridal shower since many of us had met her future daughter-in-law and her parents didn’t live nearby. We were asked to give our best marital advice and bring a gift. Since I wasn’t married and I had a custodial job, I made a list of everyday products and what they could be used to clean.

At the wedding reception, the bride came to me and gave me a hug. Then she told me that mine was the best gift because she didn’t know how to clean very well. That’s one gift that could be used again and again and passed down for generations. Plus it’s something that made me feel good. — Still Feeling Good

Dear Still Feeling Good: What a wonderful example of how thoughtfulness and creativity can go a long way. Many people experience stress or anxiety over the financial cost of attending a wedding — from travel fare to hotel reservations to wedding gifts, not to mention separate occasions altogether like bachelorette parties and bridal showers. Your thoughtfulness and your pride in your work are shining through in your gift, and the bride clearly appreciated the personal touch. Well done!

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].