a 36 - Sunday, March 24, 1985 - North Shore News Marriage vows and money rules regarding an invitation to dinner by a D EAR MISS MANNERS — Are there any relatively newlywed couple to their respec- tive parents, together or separately, as a gesture of appreciation for their efforts, financial and other- wise, in assisting with wedding arrangements, honeymoon and getting established? As a parent within easy proximity, who has waited two-and-a-half years for such an invitation, I wish to establish its validity. I have continued to entertain the couple in our home for din- ner, but this gesture has not been reciprocated. F feel there must exist a general rule of thumb, and: thus I turn to you for the answer to what I perceive to be a fairly. common @ occurrence. GENTLE READER — Who reared these people, whose standards you find’ so’ -| offensive? Actually, there is ‘no tule requiring © “newlyweds to repay, in groceries; the finan- cial outlay of their parents on oa the wedding. Little speeches - of appreciation —. for their devotion,*. effort and the . beauty ofthe: wedding, not for the bucks spent — at. the - ‘moment of departure for the - wedding trip, occasionally from the trip itself, and upon the couple’s return, are con- : sidered sufficient. Newlyweds are also “customarily invited first by others,.on the grounds that” “they are just.. setting. up housekeeping, and no, Miss “Manners .does not want to hear ‘how. many - years they were at that’ before the wedding. © : - by Judith - wafartin That is not to say that newlyweds are not supposed to have their parents to din- ner for two‘years. If they. do not have the sense to realize . that they are now taking their place as ‘adult ‘householders, with the:same obligations as everyone else, someone should tell them. Miss Man- ners can think of no: one more appropriate to do so than their parents.. DEAR MISS MANNERS — About five months ago, I took my aunt to an or- thopedic surgeon. (She has arthritis.) He seemed to be a nice man, besides being compe- tent. We hit it off well and talked a bittle bit about other things besides my aunt's ailment. On a second visit, I took advantage of his good will and asked him about a little problem I have with a knee, which I injured about a year ago while skiing. He was most hetpful, and prescribed something that has helped me. Since then, he and his male assistant have given us both advice over the phone and different prescriptions which we have tried. They’ve also ordered X-rays and tests. Even though they've told us to drop over or phone whenever necessary, I've told my aunt that I will make no more contact unless we straighten this situation out. I suggest’ saying, . ‘‘Look, you’ve been great, but there must be some bookkeeping error, because J don’t think we've been billed yet.” My aunt, who is a very straight-laced person, .is definitely acting out of character, because she ab- solutely refuses. to say anything. GENTLE READER — Sure. Call the hospital and: tell them to send you a bill, Miss Manners promises you they will not be coy about it. But this leaves her playing with the other elements of your story, and wondering if they are as irrelevant as they For your inspiration; from Hamil, the perfect combination. Orin’nally * ed fashi. sics illustrated in detail with suggested Vogue and Butterick patterns. A ready to wear concept “featuring fashion”. Exclusively at our Park Royal store. ..and of course our spectacular selection of exclusive silks, cottons, linens, cool wools for your spring and summer wardrobe. ‘Save this spring’, create your own designer look at our great vaiue prices! Mul, FABRICS Park Royal South Tel. 922-0165 2556 Granville St. Tel 734-0608 Lansdowne Shopping Centre, Tel 270-3713 seem. What is this about the (And by the way, from what medicine? ‘‘Mahagonny”’ doctor being a nice man, and opera would one’s enjoyment immediately springs to Miss your giving him presents? be equal to that of taking’ Manners’ mind.) WE DO IT ALL! ies A: FROM HEAD TO TOE © Professional stylists ¢ Hairstyling ¢ Manicures & Pedicures * Estheticians ¢ Sunbed * Sculptured nails ° ear plercing _ Kay Pederson of Federal Way, Washington lost. 24 pounds. “I love my new figure! I now walk everywhere’ : with self- confidence because, I: know I look great, too!” ° Professionally supervised * No compulsive exercise © No calorie. counting - © Exclusive Weightminder™ Computer Evaluation Nutri/System, Inc., 1985. err nutri/system OVER 700 CENTRES IN NORTH AMERICA CALL TODAY FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION Valid only at these participating centres. VANCOUVER NORTH VANCOUVER 736-8145 984-0391 1727 W. Broadway 4075 Marine Drive BURNABY 437-8446 6540 Burlington Avenue RICHMOND 276-8446 4940 No. 3 Road #116 As people vary. so does an individual s weight loas. If you want to lose weight, you can’t beat the System™. So X=