Comment on Miss Manners: The awful gift my neighbors gave my kids was alive — literally

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Our neighbors recently went on vacation and asked our young children (7 years old and 3 years old) to take care of their goldfish. We were happy to do so, and our children enjoyed the experience. Upon their return, they gave us two goldfish as a thank-you. This was not discussed with us prior. Obviously, not having a heart of ice, I was not able to refuse the gift after seeing the joy in my children’s faces. Our neighbors delivered the fish in a small bowl and informed us we could return the bowl in a week.