【英语时差8,16】外甥女挑剔礼物

 Dear Annie:

Last Christmas, I spent the day with my sister and her family. I had purchased a purse for my 18-year-old niece, only to be told by her mother that her taste ran toward¹ Coach or Chanel, and would I please take it back. I did so and sent my niece a gift card to replace the "unwanted" present. For her birthday, I didn't want to repeat my mistake so I gave her another gift card. I never received a thank-you note for either.

I realize teenagers are sporadic² about writing notes, but I question my sister's example to her daughter of not accepting a gift graciously³, whether you like it or not.

Since Christmas is coming soon, should I just stick with the gift card or chance another returned present? If I do the latter and get the same result, how should I respond⁴?－Past Present

Dear Past Present:

Your sister and her daughter have terrible manners⁵. If you wish to get your niece a gift, buy whatever you like and make sure it comes with a gift receipt⁶. If she doesn't like it, let HER return it and get whatever she prefers. To you, her only words should be: "Thank you so much for the lovely gift."

1 toward   

prep.对于，关于，接近，将近，向，朝

参考例句：

• Suddenly I saw a tall figure approaching toward the policeman.突然间我看到一个高大的身影朝警察靠近。
• Upon seeing her,I smiled and ran toward her. 看到她我笑了，并跑了过去。

2 sporadic   

adj.偶尔发生的 [反]regular；分散的

参考例句：

• The sound of sporadic shooting could still be heard.仍能听见零星的枪声。
• You know this better than I.I received only sporadic news about it.你们比我更清楚，而我听到的只是零星消息。

3 graciously   

ad. 仁慈地,和蔼庄重地

参考例句：

• All the guests were graciously served at the party. 宴会上所有客人都受到殷勤款待。
• She graciously accepted my apology. 她很有风度地接受了我的道歉。

4 respond   

vi.回答，响应

参考例句：

• I offered him a drink but he did not respond.我请他喝酒，但他未作回答。
• I greeted him but he didn't respond.我跟他打招呼，他没答理我。

5 manners   

n.礼貌；规矩

参考例句：

• You should mend your manners.你的态度应当纠正。
• His manners are rough,but he is a kind man at heart.他虽然举止粗鲁，但心地善良。

6 receipt   

n.收据，收条；收到，接到

参考例句：

• We are in receipt of your letter of the 10th.我们收到了您十日的来函。
• I asked for a receipt.我要一张收据。