[Dear You. . .]

[cassiesmom]

Dear B.,

You missed my birthday for the second year in a row and I am hurt. I gave you a birthday gift last year, a Christmas gift, and this year I bought your birthday gift at a local craft show/sale and I thought you would get a huge kick out of it. I spent quite a bit of money on it, more than I'd planned to spend on your gift, but I figured you'd be thrilled; and I am disappointed at your reaction. We usually get together weekly; last weekend you had plans that changed at the 11th hour, and I got the call. I wanted to be invited with the other people you were having over, not as your fill-in guest. This week I made other plans because I expected that you were not going to be free. You asked earlier than last time, but -- sorry -- I'm busy! I know you have nothing planned for next week but I might, or I might not. Depends on my mood.

I don't know what else to do. There is nothing I can tactfully say to let you know how hurt I am that you missed my birthday. You didn't even bother to mail or e-mail me a card. All I can say is that the next time we're together, you better have a gift. And not something you want to regift that you just stuck in a gift bag you happened to have on hand. This time I would appreciate if you'd put some effort into it. You claim we're close, such good friends, and then you do things like this. Actions speak louder than words, missy.

I'm writing this on my calendar so it doesn't happen again next year, because I am hurt; disappointed in you for letting me down; and disappointed in myself for expecting better.

Signed,
Me

Dear B.,

The gift you did give me, when you finally got around to it, was lame. I know I was supposed to be touched, because it was from you, and you collect those, and so you bought one for me; but I wasn't. You'd have been better off letting it go altogether.

Signed,
me