Pending graduation hard on sister being left behind After hearing her say, “Only a couple of more months till I’m done with school forever,” I have realized I’m mad because she’s graduating soon. For the past month, I’ve been saying no when Maddy and her boyfriend ask me to hang out with them. From your description of your emotions, it appears you may be suffering from a version of empty-nest syndrome. An effective way to counteract it is to find activities you enjoy and keep yourself busy so you will have less time to brood. According to the rules of etiquette, because you don’t plan to attend the wedding, no gift is required. [...] in light of your more than 20-year friendship, consider sending a token gift to the daughter — the price range is up to you. Readers, there is a common misconception that the price of wedding gifts must be in line with what the hosts spend on the food and beverages at the reception. According to Emily Post, that is a “modern myth,” and “the amount you spend is strictly a matter of your budget.”