Dear Abby: Is it rude to use a gift card while dining out with the givers?

Greetings, Abby

My brother and sister-in-law generously sent my partner and I a gift card to a restaurant we adore. It’s where the four of us will have dinner next week. I would like to know the proper way to use such a gift card. Do we intend to utilize it that evening or not? Should we apply the surplus to my brother’s bill if we use it? I’m curious about the proper approach to handle this, and I’d welcome your advise, even though I know my brother won’t be concerned or insulted any way. TRAVELING SOUTHWIDE

Greetings, Wondering:

If my correspondence is any guide, some people become upset when the person they are splitting the bill with uses a gift card instead of cash or a credit card. So, before you go to the restaurant, it’s always a good idea to ask the person you’re going with that question.

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Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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