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What to say to your friend whose taste in music goes to pop and you can’t stand the Christmas gift of a CD that he gave you and he’s pushing to know what you think of it? Do I lie? Or do I say, “We’re not into pop, so we’re recycling it to someone who is?”

What ticks me off is that I usually give him something I know he wants because he’s hinted to me that he would like it. On the other hand, everyone knows I’m a jazz buff and can’t stand pop.

–Connie

Hold your tongue. No matter how much you want to tell someone that you don’t have the same taste in music, remember that it’s a gift.

The problem with that is that in this instance is that you don’t want to encourage future gifts of pop CDs from this particular friend or relative, so stay cool.

Say, “Oh, yeah, thanks so much I haven’t had a chance to appreciate it.” By sounding somewhat nonchalant, the Santa Clause picks up the hidden nuisance of your non-enthusiasium. Then gift the CD to someone whom you know is into pop, if there is not a gift receipt.

~Didi