The only thing worse than divorcing, it not divorcing

DEAR AMY » I have been invited to a baby shower for an acquaintance’s daughter.

I have met the daughter once, and it was at a group dinner, so we spoke about three sentences to each other.

I know the mother from a social circle, but we are not close.

The baby shower invitation is from the mother, and the RSVP is to the mother and daughter. Amy, this is not proper!

I do not want to attend, nor send a gift, as I do not know the daughter or her tastes.

I might add that many of us that were invited are in the same boat — and none of us were invited to this person’s wedding, which was recently.

What do you think of this situation? How should I handle it?

— Upset

DEAR UPSET » I think you should RSVP very politely and respectfully, keep your judgment to yourself, not gossip with others about the propriety of this and move on with your life.

DEAR AMY » “On the Outs” was struggling with the sudden severing of a close work friendship.

I am married and was working closely with a married co-worker. After a while, I felt myself developing a stronger attraction for my co-worker. This scared me, as I was not about to jeopardize my marriage.

Instead, I pulled way back on the interaction with my co-worker, limiting it to work only. I also physically distanced myself from him physically, sitting farther away from him.

I didn’t tell my coworker about my feelings because I didn’t want to encourage my feelings, and because it was a very humbling situation.

— Simply Survival

DEAR SURVIVAL » This scenario also occurred to me for “On the Outs,” but I hesitated suggesting it. Thank you.

Amy Dickinson