|
Sign up for our newsletters!
 Terms of Use | Privacy Policy       Subscribe to O, The Oprah Magazine
What Do I Do Now?
Do I have to send a gift?
by Jancee Dunn
Pin It
  |  
Print
1
Comment
O Bracelet
Q: My mother trained me to send gifts when I receive printed engagement, wedding, or birth announcements. Is the etiquette different with an e-mail alert?
  • Somehow our mothers managed to send out paper birth announcements and still have time left over to drive us around without car seats and let our grandparents hold us with cigarettes dangling out of their mouths. Today e-quid pro quo is the way to go. E-mail back a congratulations. Add an emoticon if you're feeling generous.
    — Faith Salie, host of the public radio show Fair Game from PRI with Faith Salie

  • Decide what you want to do based on your relationship with the person, not the form of announcement. Like it or not, e-mail announcements are here to stay.
    — Michele Warholic Wetherald, executive director of the American Association of University Women 

  • If you care about the couple, it's appropriate to send a present even if you learned about the birth by reading bathroom stall graffiti. Any gift that's motivated by sincere feelings is right.
    — Jack Marshall, president of ProEthics
From the May 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Keep Reading

Now What Do I Do? 
How to Survive a Busy Flight

Jancee Dunn asks a panel of ethics and etiquette experts whether or not it's OK to put your seat back on a busy flight.

Now What Do I Do? The Secret Grudge

Jancee Dunn asks a panel of ethics and etiquette experts what to do when your friend e-mails your husband behind your back.

Now What Do I Do? Handbag Outrage

Jancee Dunn asks a panel of ethics and etiquette experts what to do when a family member collects extravagent handbags (instead of, let's say, giving to charity).

Now What Do I Do? The Long Kiss Hello

Jancee Dunn asks a panel of ethics and etiquette experts what to do when your friend's husband kisses you inappropriately.

Loading...
Advertisement
Oprah's Book Club 2.0
Advertisement
Advertisement
IN THE CURRENT ISSUE
Grow your life! Get an exclusive look at Oprah's new farm, uncover 28 fresh ideas for happier living, and learn Bob Greene's top secret to eating smarter. Plus, find out how you can win a trip to Hawaii to have lunch with Oprah!
see all new stories