My official opinion, CGC, is that if you buy someone clothes or jewelry, you have to know that they might want to trade it in for something else. Returns are not rejections. Gift givers should know that.
There are a few exceptions to that rule, of course. If your significant other is an artist who made the wearable item, you should probably keep it. (If your boyfriend happens to be David Yurman and he gives you a necklace, please just wear it.) And if you’ve received a piece of jewelry that’s a family heirloom, you must hold on to it and wear it on appropriate occasions.

In your case, you can absolutely say something — and you should probably do it soon, before returning the gift is no longer an option. Tell your husband that you’re having trouble wearing the piece and that you want to make the most of his generosity by finding something you really love. Explain that you trust his taste and that you’d like to pick this item out together.

He might get a little sad about your request, but only because he’s usually so good at finding something you like. Those bad feelings should vanish once you guys find a piece you love. Trust me, he doesn’t want his money to go to waste. Just be honest.

Readers? Should she say something or just keep the gift? If she speaks up, what should she say? Ever had trouble telling a partner that you didn’t like a gift? Help.

– Meredith