
Published by
NJ.com
NJ.com
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I grew up without any extra money, and now I make a good living. When I inform someone excitedly that the gift I gave them was expensive, it’s because I am proud of my affection towards that person and want to share my affection with them verbally. I realize there are more polite means. However, I am happy to give gifts that I worked hard to pick out. In other words, those words have slipped out of me when I’m feeling quite loving. GENTLE READER: Bragging about the cost of a present creates an effect that is far from loving, Miss Manners assures you. And it may unduly tempt …