My husband left me about 6 weeks ago and I guess he failed to mention the situation to some of his family and friends. Christmas cards are starting to arrive to both of us and I don't know how to respond. I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. Should I just ignore them or send a note explaining what happened? I wasn't planning on sending out any cards this year. Thanks!
2006-12-03 00:49:44 · 15 answers · asked by amyrdh 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Awwww, Amy.
Well, the decent thing to do would be to reply them and gently break the news.
Merry Christmas.
2006-12-03 00:56:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are people you will keep in touch with in the future, I would send out cards and only sign your name. Some people might have known, but just didn't know how to address the card since you're not divorced yet. If they are from people you communicated with in the past only because of your husband and you won't be talking with them ever again ...I'd just drop it - and not send anything like you planned.
Good luck, stay strong, you'll be better off in the long run.
2006-12-03 11:37:59 · answer #2 · answered by I have ideas... 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hold on there girl!
Perhaps the people sending the cards are perfectly aware of your situation. Maybe they do not wish to exclude you or your soon-to-be ex during the holidays. Since you are only "soon-to-be's", it would be tacky to send separate cards or holiday greetings addressed only to you (or him).
They are handling a delicate situation with dignity and grace. Their holiday wishes should be appreciated for what they are.
Why not enjoy the holiday season and send them cards in return?
Sign them with your name and blessings. Do not include explanations or depressing thoughts. Just wish them joy and peace. You do not owe explanations.
If they don't know about your break up, they will understand your lone signature in time.
You too can be cheerful, dignified and graceful. They are family and friends after all, and you are not divorcing them.
Show them there is no animosity or resentment in you.
Be love, grace, wisdom and light.
Rejoice and celebrate each time your heart is broken. Only when your heart is broken can the light enter. Not until you have felt the pain of suffering can you know how others suffer. This is where you learn empathy. This is when others can look into your eyes, the windows of the soul, and see texture, wisdom, compassion, and refinement. After the experience of a broken heart you become more attractive to the world.
Peace åå¹³
.
2006-12-03 09:04:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how you feel. My personal suggestion is to go to the Dollar Store to get some inexpensive cards and send them signing only your name. That would get the point across. You could also take the high road and reply with both names but instead of "Mr and Mrs Smith", just "George and Wheezie". The season is all about caring and being cared for. If they sent a card, they care.
2006-12-03 11:02:38 · answer #4 · answered by elove315 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Send a card back with only your name on it. Then after the holiday's, write a general note to everyone lightly explaining the situation, and mail that. Then just leave it alone.
2006-12-03 10:58:09 · answer #5 · answered by kari w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
send a small postcard with your Christmas cards, a "change of marital status" thank you note. Something like:
Thanks for your card. Next year hopefully no one will be wishing (insert name) a Merry Christmas because I have recently dumped the rat b****** and am now looking forward to many Happy New Years ahead without him.
Love from (insert name)
2006-12-03 08:53:50 · answer #6 · answered by jleslie4585 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I usually don't send cards either.(I'm lazy) most of my friends know that but they still send me cards. If those cards are from his side then I wouldn't respond but if you care about any of them maybe a note/card would be a nice way of telling them the situation.... they're gonna find out sooner or later.(right).
2006-12-03 09:03:33 · answer #7 · answered by damifiknow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Explain the situation only to those people that you consider close family and friends. The rest need not know your business.
As a funny aside, close each of your Christmas cards with, "Looking forward to a Merry "EX"-Mas!
Good luck.
2006-12-03 09:16:10 · answer #8 · answered by kenrayf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. don't send cards this year and don't worry about it...one of my friends did this then the next year she sent cards with a note about the divorce and apology for not feeling like sending card the previous year.
or
2.send cards to those you want to send to and just sign your name then they can ask him about that...put some awkwardness his way
2006-12-03 16:39:23 · answer #9 · answered by Library Eyes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you could send those people New Years greeting cards and only sign your name. And be sure to only write your name on the return address label :-) Hang in there & good-luck!
2006-12-03 12:52:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just not send any cards out and let the jerk tell his friends and family.Those who are close to you,will already know your situation.I wouldn't worry about it.Just try to get through the holidays happily!
Good Luck!
2006-12-03 08:54:23 · answer #11 · answered by lobster 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋