Dear Annie:

Please settle a dispute between my husband and me. Several weeks ago, I surprised him with a 50th birthday party. It was very low-key and in our backyard.

Several of his friends gave him gifts. I handed him the addresses and thank-you notes for him to write out. He stated that since he is now 50, he doesn't need to write thank-you notes and, furthermore, he didn't ask for any of the gifts. He said it was enough that he thanked everyone in person for coming.

I believe that you are never too old to write a thank-you note, and since he didn't open the gifts in front of anyone, thanking them for coming isn't sufficient. I feel bad about this since I initiated the party, but I have no intention of writing his notes myself. Please advise.

－ Wife of Stubborn 50-Year-Old

Dear Wife:

Being gracious has no age limit, and being 50 does not entitle your husband to be rude. Of course he should write notes to every person who was thoughtful enough to bring him a present, but your husband is lazy and doesn't want to bother. He's not 6 years old, even if he acts like it, so say nothing more. His friends will think he is lacking in manners, and they will be right.