Dear Miss Etiquette:

My lovely mother doesn’t appreciate the top-of-the-line Matter Transmogrifier 7 I got her for Christmas. I showed her how it worked—briefly transforming myself into a beautiful lavender candle—and she was thoroughly creeped out. How do I get her to appreciate my thoughtfulness?

DEAR “THANKS FOR NOTHING, MOM”: Understand that your mother is from a different generation. Personally, I love using my MT7 to relax in the form of a pillow, or a comfy silk robe. But if your mom appreciates the traditional way of sleeping—in a bed vs. being a bed—more power to her. We’re all on our own journey.