House warming gifts...

by Michael Quinn
(Houston, TX, USA)

Dear Miss Manners,

I've purchased a house warming gift for a co-worker who has been nice to me. He's a person who I consider a friend. His wife works at our ocmpany too. I wanted to present them with a house warming gift which I purchased. I'v asked a few times to let me know when it would be a good time to stop by and drop it off. It's been a while and the wife finally said, "Why don't you just bring it in to work and we'll take it home?"

I felt like returning it. Am I an old fashioned gentleman or what? I was shocked that anyone would even say that. I really would like to take it back. I really feel the gift should be about the receiver and not the giver. I was raised to invite someone over, receive the gift, show them around and if the host invites you to stay longer, then stay. A visit like that should be 10-15 minutes. Am I totally off the mark about this?

Sincerely,
Mike