cshenk wrote:
> "Giusi" wrote
>
>> I don't think it matters where it is being done, it is bad manners. It is
>> putting the screws on social acquaintances to get gifts and picking the
>> gifts yourself.
>
> It was the way it was done in the 1800's. Kinda stopped around 1900 or so.

What exactly are you talking about happening here? And can you cite
where you got this information? And are we speaking of people who were
barely scraping by or by "society"? Or something in between?

> Anyone going to a housewarming is expected to bring a housewarming gift. It
> just depends culturally on what that is.
>
A small token housewarming gift is NOT exactly the same thing as being
mentioned here in this thread. Tacky gift-extortion (specific gifts,
high dollar items, inviting strangers) is more what we're complaining
about.