Was it wrong to give a gift to her husband?

Dear Polite One,

I'm a bit embarrassed and heartbroken. I gave my mentor and her husband, who is also very active in our group, holiday gifts. His was a bird book because he had mentioned several times that he wanted to learn more. Her gift was similar. They didn't open their gifts in my presence but took them home. The next day, she returned the gift saying that it wasn't appropriate. What did I do wrong?

Confused

Dear Confused,

Well, I'm confused as well. I don't get it! You gave a very considerate gift to her and her husband. Since you gave to both, she couldn't have been surprised about a gift given specifically to her husband. And a bird book is a safe, neutral, and inoffensive gift. I just don't understand what you could have done to deserve this treatment. You did nothing wrong. She acted inappropriately.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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