Son is odd-man-out when mom sends birthday gifts to family

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EAR ABBY:

My husband, daughter, and I all have birthdays in the same month. My mother-in-law always sends gifts for me and my daughter, but never to my husband, her son. He tries to shrug it off, but I know it bothers him.

In earlier years, I thought it was an oversight. I have tried gentle reminders and hints, but again this year, there was no gift for her son. It would be different if she sent one only to our daughter, but sending one to me and not to her son is a slap in the face. They have a fairly good relationship, and my husband is kind and generous to his parents.

I haven't opened the gift she sent me this year, and I do not intend to. Should I return it to her with a note explaining why, or donate it and forget about it until it happens next year?

- Perplexed in the Northwest

DEAR PERPLEXED: Your mother-in-law's behavior strikes me as passive aggressive. That it makes you uncomfortable is understandable. Perhaps you and your husband should ask her directly why she does this, and let her explain. Then, after you have heard her out, you can tell her that what she's doing makes you uncomfortable and that you would prefer she not send you any more birthday gifts if she intends to ignore her son.

Teen baffled by 'rule' on girls with guy pals

DEAR ABBY: I hate the fact that since I have started high school, I'm restricted by the rules that guys and girls can't be friends unless they're dating. It has been worse since I got into my relationship of 21/2 years. I'll be 19 soon, and I have always had guy friends. I find them easier than girls.

My mother says that when you're in a relationship, it is disrespectful to have friends who are guys. My boyfriend and I fight all the time over this issue, and I have had to cut off some of my guy friends because of it. I hate not having anyone to talk to or hang out with except my boyfriend. It has left me with bad blood between me and my old friends. Is this a rule that I didn't know about? I just don't get it, but I know I need help.

- Teen in Delaware

DEAR TEEN: What your mother may have meant when she said that it was disrespectful to have male friends when you were in a relationship was that many men find it threatening. You are young, and at your age, it is appropriate that you should be socializing with more than one person. Your mistake was in getting into an exclusive relationship with someone who tells you who you can and cannot be friends with. Break it off, and you may be sad for a while, but you will also be free to grow.

Big-breasted etiquette for national anthem

DEAR ABBY: When a large-breasted woman is standing and saluting for the national anthem at sporting events, where should the right hand be placed? Above her breast, under her breast, or on her breast?

- Just Wondering in Florida

DEAR JUST WONDERING: It depends upon whom the right hand belongs to. If it's the large-breasted woman's hand, it should be placed on her chest toward the top of her left breast. If it's someone else's hand, it should be kept to oneself.