I'm going to add something positive. :) I offered my out-of-town niece my home to host her daughter's (my great niece) 13th birthday party several months ago so the local family could attend. It turned out to be a wonderful family gathering. Within a week after the party I received lovely thank you cards (via snail mail!) from each of my niece and great niece for the use of my home, and from my great niece for her birthday gift. I think it's all in how one is raised. My sister did a good job of it with all three of her kids because they and their little ones all send thanks you's, or the little ones will at least call if I'm not present when their gifts are opened. It is such a good feeling!