My niece sends me the cheapest cards – I feel as though I’m nothing to her

DEAR DEIDRE: MY niece sends me the cheapest cards she can find. Whether it is for my birthday or Christmas, they are always inexpensive. I am a 60-year-old woman. It is really upsetting because I’ve always sent her and her children lovely cards and presents, and still do even though they are grown up. I feel […]

DEAR DEIDRE: MY niece sends me the cheapest cards she can find.

Whether it is for my birthday or Christmas, they are always inexpensive.

Getty Images - Getty

My niece sends me the cheapest cards for my birthday and Christmas[/caption]

I am a 60-year-old woman. It is really upsetting because I’ve always sent her and her children lovely cards and presents, and still do even though they are grown up.

I feel as though I’m nothing to her and this is why she sends me the cheapest cards she can.

It isn’t a question of money. She and her husband are quite wealthy.

I know the cards they send other family members are always of good quality.

This may seem trivial but I want her to know this is upsetting.

I do not want to cause a family row, even though we are not all that close.

I just don’t know what to do.

DEIDRE SAYS:  This is really all about your relationship with your niece.

True gifts or cards are those we give freely, and without expectation of reciprocation.

Genuine card-giving is not about tit-for-tat.

Just as we receive gifts, cards are given to say that the sender has you in mind on your special day.

If this issue will continue to upset you, suggest to your family that you stop sending cards.

This may avoid causing a family rift.

NEXT IN TODAY’S DEAR DEIDRE My husband called me by the wrong name in bed and gets jumpy when I walk into the room

READ DEIDRE’S PHOTO CASEBOOK Alexander feels guilty for having sex with a hooker but wants to do it again

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk