Dear LFTP: cruise vacation souvenir demands
- Am I being overly sensitive that friends expect souvenirs from my cruise, and how can I politely refuse?
A couple, finally recovered from bankruptcy after the economy crashed, plans their first real vacation in ten years — a cruise — but four friends and family members ask them to bring back souvenirs. The hosts side with her: a souvenir is a gift someone brings you, not an order you place; they perform the 'I politely refuse' bit, with Ben asking Mike for a souvenir and Mike demonstrating the refusal. Jane agrees she is not being overly sensitive. They reject the Secular answer's advice to lie about a tight schedule ('don't lie'), noting a cruise is by nature full of free time — and the honest line is that they are not willing to spend it shopping for others.
More on Boundaries
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Dear LFTP: the mother-in-law moved in
- My mother-in-law moved in seven months ago and it’s been difficult — how can we sort this out?
The last letter comes from a wife whose mother-in-law moved in seven months ago with no boundaries, rising bills, unpaid prescriptions, and open disrespect.
From No. 604 · Rearview Mirror
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Dear LFTP: Ralph calls three or four times a week
- How can I get my retired friend Ralph to call less frequently without being rude?
The letter: 'Ralph,' a longtime best friend, retired and is bored, so he calls three or four times a week 'even when there's nothing new to talk about,' rehashing the same things; subtle hints haven't worked; letting it go to voicemail just earns a callback request.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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Dear LFTP: the senior-living handshake letter, and the close
- How can a senior-living resident politely decline the dining-room manager's handshakes?
Mike reads the second Dear LFTP letter: a senior-living resident whose dining-room manager (Manny) shakes hands at residents' tables, and who dodges with wet or greasy hands — how to decline politely?
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Dear LFTP: the fiance who games until 5AM
- What should the letter-writer do about her fiance's all-night gaming habit?
Mike reads a Dear LFTP letter from a woman engaged five years to Dustin, who games from 10PM to 5AM, skips chores, and gives her no attention; talking has not helped since 'he grew up gaming.'
From No. 598 · Emphasis | Accountability, Worship and Praying with Strangers