Coffee shop chats give this mom the creeps

DEAR AMY: I am a stay-at-home mom of a 4-year-old and a 10-month-old. Every two weeks or so, I find time to take them to a coffee shop for a treat. Invariably, while we are there, some guy wants to converse with me and ask about my kids. Today, it was an old veteran. I'm introverted and cautious and have no desire to converse with these guys or give information about my kids. However, I want to be friendly and respectful of veterans. Short of giving up our coffee shop treats, how should I approach these situations?Awkward Mom

DEAR MOM:If you want your children to be introverted, shy and skittish around people, then by all means stop taking them to places where they will encounter people in an environment that you don't control. However, the very best way to give your children social skills is to encourage them to have these brief interactions with people in the neighborhood. If someone gives you the creeps and you feel he is encroaching, then you can usher the kids to another area.

But if this is a case of older people who are simply being friendly, then you should allow some brief interaction, and then, when you feel it has run its course, say, "Well, it was nice chatting with you. We're going to have a seat now to enjoy our treats."

DEAR AMY: My stepson is getting married; my husband and I gave him a large check (we went in 50-50) as a wedding gift. The check has cleared. I feel we should receive a thank you. My husband said I was being needy and that family is just to assume certain things. Am I being petty?No Thanks

DEAR NO THANKS: You both should be thanked. Your husband had a hand in raising this young man. After the wedding, he should say to him, "Son, the mature thing to do when you receive a gift is to thank the people who gave it to you."