Skip to main content

Two Tips for New Relationships

New relationships, gifts, attending family wedding

Ah, new relationships...so sweet.  Still, at times it seems we’re walking on ice as if we have to watch every step or slip right through into cold water.  Do I do this, that, or go in a different direction.  Too many questions and variables.  Perhaps these two situations may clear up some doubts. 

Should I give a gift to a new boyfriend?

Hello Polite One,  

I am in a new relationship, just a few months of romantic bliss.  With the holidays approaching, I was wondering if I should give him a gift.  On one hand, I'd like to give him a gift but on the other, I don’t want to make him feel obligated to return the favor.   

What does dating and relationship etiquette dictate?   

Thank You, 

Visitor

Dear Visitor, 

Gifts are always optional even when a relationship grows into something more. However, it isn’t wrong to give him a gift.  A great, non-committal type, a gift would be a movie that you two enjoyed together. It is a gift you might even give to a friend.  So, it is less likely that he would feel guilty if he didn't buy you anything, and yet it is quite thoughtful.  

Sincerely, 

The Polite One

What to do about being excluded from a family wedding?

Dear Polite One,   

My boyfriend of 2-years has been invited to a family wedding.  I’ve spent time with all his family members and we appeared to be close.  In fact, they all assume we will be family when we two finish college.  I haven’t received my invitation yet, even though they have invited more than 150 guests.  I feel hurt to be excluded from such an event. 

My boyfriend is surprised that I am not invited but thinks that maybe they didn’t have enough space for me. What should I do? Should I say something?   

Hurt

Dear Hurt, 

Let’s take a breather here.   You may not have been intentionally omitted from the wedding. Stranger things have happened than a missing wedding invitation.  I suggest asking your boyfriend to ask his family if you are invited.   If you are not, then they probably have a good reason.  The reason wouldn’t be to hurt you.  As a family, which you are now with or without marriage, we try to understand space issues in weddings/receptions.  These things happen. Sometimes we have to invite people we would rather not and leave out those we would rather have. 

The Polite One

Update:  The invitation her boyfriend received was supposed to include her, so she was invited!  

Similar Posts

Boyfriend Issues: One Handsy. One Unsupportive

How to Handle Three Everyday Manners Problems

Flirting 101: How to Flirt Effectively 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What is California Cocktail Attire?

Dear Polite One , What is California cocktail attire? Thank you, Confused Dear Confused , There is no such thing.   At times, it feels as if hosts just like to make these things up to confuse their guests.   I’m sure that’s not the case.   Still...      Many hosts try to create a “feeling,” or more appropriately, “set the stage” for an event.   So, they will incorporate a well-known attire category with a word that describes that elusive stage.   This leads to the confusion we both feel since neither of us can actually see inside their minds.   So, I suggest going with slightly laid-back cocktail attire, which typically is the suit for men and the little black dress or its equivalent for women.    Perhaps skip the tie and accessories that appear expensive.   Additionally, it is appropriate to call the host and ask for clarification.   Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode a Dress Code Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove

How to address a divorced woman? Mrs or Ms?

  Dear Polite One, Should I use "Mrs." or "Ms." when sending correspondence to a divorced woman? Wondering from Kansas Dear Wondering from Kansas, Both Mrs. and Ms. are proper when addressing a letter to a divorced woman. If you choose to use Mrs., you will use her first name and last name: Mrs. Jane Brown. However, Ms. is the most common title for women these days, because marital status does not define any of us. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Too late to send an invitation to Bat Mitzvah? How to reschedule a retirement party? Mother-in-law added names to the guest list!

3 Most Asked Questions About Listing Doctors on Envelopes

  How to List Doctors on Invitation Envelope? Dear Polite One , How does one address an envelope for the two following scenarios? 1) The wife is a physician, but the husband is not. 2) Both the wife and husband are physicians, and she used her maiden name. Lots of Doctors Dear Lots of Doctors, The doctor and husband: Doctor Jane and Mr. John Smith The doctor couple: Doctor Jane Jones Doctor John Smith Most sincerely, The Polite One What is the Proper Salutation for Doctor Couple? Dear Polite One , How do you write the correct salutation when both the husband and wife are doctors? Doctors All-Around Dear Doctors All-Around, If you are close friends, you would use their first names.  If this is a formal or business letter, you would use the title doctor for both: Doctors Smith, Doctor Sam Smith, and Doctor Tina Smith, or Doctors Tina and Sam Smith.  Most sincerely, The Polite One Don’t Know Husband’s Name and the Wife is a Doctor!   How to