Happiness & Stress Soothers

Just be honest, says Cindy Post Senning, director of the Emily Post Institute: “Explain that things have gotten too tight for presents.” Be sure to do it ASAP, though, before your friends buy gifts for you. Then, Senning adds, “suggest some other way of celebrating your friendship.” Invite your buddies over for a movie night with popcorn, or offer to host a potluck dinner — no husbands (or kids!) allowed. That way, your girlfriends will understand that it’s about the circumstances — not your relationship.