September 26, 2026 Issue, Page 5 of 12

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ACTIVITIES The Elk City News SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • 5 Opinions Differ on Multi-Birthday Gift Exchange DEAR ABBY: I have a group of two years and I are opposites layed, on my way.” I dressed hur- His behavior was thoughtless friends who get together once a DEAR ABBY when it comes to planning. He’s riedly, put on makeup in the car, and rude. Because you know month, usually for a casual din- spontaneous and acts on the broke all speed records and ar- he is forgetful, you should have ner. Next month’s gathering will person, I could get away with spur of the moment. I’m the type rived there about 45 minutes late. kept asking him if he had made be to celebrate three birthdays, making them something, but I’m who plans everything down to I made excuses for him, knowing the call, or you could have done one of which is mine. While plan- also a bit put off. Shouldn’t my the last nanosecond (slight exag- he has done this to them before. it yourself. I think your biggest ning this gathering (via text), I wishes have been respected since geration). We were halfway through the mistake was trying to cover for asked if we could skip exchang- it’s my birthday? — BIRTHDAY Everything came to a head last meal when he showed up, wear- him by fibbing. In the future, GIRL IN MASSACHUSETTS ing presents and just enjoy our Saturday when he suddenly de- ing the same “work around the make sure you arrive promptly. DEAR BIRTHDAY GIRL: Hap- time together. The response from cided to start a household project house” clothes from earlier. (I Let him do his own explaining, py birthday! Your friends un- my friends was “No! We’re doing at 5 p.m. We were supposed to was surprised the hostess even make his own apologies and ex- derstand why you don’t want to presents.” I know their intention exchange gifts, and they want meet another couple for an eve- seated him.) I was embarrassed, perience the fallout. is good; these are very generous to give you something anyway. ning out at 7. When he started the the other couple was under- friends. But I’m working only They aren’t doing it to pressure project, I reminded him of our standably peeved, and I have had Dear Abby is written by Abi- part time and have to pay for my you; they’re doing it out of love. date and asked him to let the oth- it with his inconsiderate behav- gail Van Buren. For nearly four health insurance out of pock- If giving them a handcrafted er couple know that something ior! Please advise. — NOT OK IN decades, Jeanne Phillips penned et. They said I don’t need to get item would help you feel better, had come up and we wouldn’t OKLAHOMA this column, which was founded them presents, but they will be that’s fine, but please don’t feel make it. I thought he had taken DEAR NOT OK: If your hus- in 1956 by her mother, Pauline getting me presents, so naturally disrespected by their generosity. care of it until they texted me at band doesn’t know what a faux Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at I feel the pressure to reciprocate. 7:15 wanting to know where we pas he committed by leaving the www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box While I’m not the most creative DEAR ABBY: My husband of were. I texted back, “Been de- other couple hanging, tell him. 270135, Kansas City, MO 64127. CROSSWORD Get Fuzzy CURRENT PUZZLE ANSWERS Drabble Dailies Pearls Before Swine Garfield