Truncating the week's advice columns:

Buy the boy a skirt for Christmas. Blake has been dominating the conversation. You may send your ex-boyfriend's family a Christmas card expressing regret that you will no longer be attending family functions, but you may not disclose his infidelities. After a defriending, gifts given during the period of friendship are not to be returned. Do not offer to host Christmas at your home out of a feeling of resigned resentment. Compromise by not securing a restraining order against your derelict roommate. Your mother is not allowed to invite your ex-girlfriend to holiday gatherings, though she may meet with her in the off-season. Everyone who is giving you a gift knows your employment situation. There is nothing wrong with managing a yogurt store. A thank-you note doesn't lend itself to psychodrama. [Dear Prudence]

Don't tell your mom you know she's a cheater. Tell your sister that if she doesn't want gay people at her wedding, then you may not attend. Enjoy Dan's mom's cookies.  [Savage Love]

Be discreet but not secretive. Excluding one person from a group invitation is very high school. Teens have a highly developed awareness of hypocrisy.  This tussle is not only about food. Try embarrassing your neighbors into better choices. Help facilitate the blending process. If you can't correct your daughter's behavior, try asking some other person to correct it. Tolerate your dead sister's annoying husband. Just because you can make one type of wedding cake doesn't mean you can make another.  [Ask Amy]

You can only be a motherfucker if you decide to adopt the principles of motherfuckerhood. Terms of endearment help soothe the sting of reality. Time cures all break-ups. [Dear Sugar]

Consult your 15-year-old daughter before turning her 21-year-old boyfriend into the police. Prepare your children for Uncle Frank's new face. Focus on yourself. If you're under the impression that your life is unfair, remind yourself that it's more unfair for others by visiting a local shelter. [Carolyn Hax]

Santa Claus is too entrenched in the American Christmas experience to be denied. Hang your college diploma near the bathroom mirror. You must return the erroneous phone call from the stranger who thought you might be able to help them fix a flat tire. Technology has enhanced the capabilities of world-class bores. [Miss Manners]