Don't take this the wrong way...

My writing partner Elisa and I have a joke that whenever someone starts a sentence with, "Don't take this the wrong way, but...," you know you're in for it. Basically because it's a dead giveaway that they're about to deliver a blow, which they're lamely attempting to soften. So recently, when I found myself thinking, "I hope they don't take this the wrong way...," I knew I was in trouble. It concerns whether or not to send a gift that I fear could easily be construed as criticism.

My husband...