Dear Abby: My son was hit by a car while riding his bike and was given a new gift, how should I respond?

DEAR ABBY: A month ago, my 7-year-old son was hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in a crosswalk. Now it’s good. His injuries were minor, although they were frightening. The police and paramedics responded quickly and I took my son to the hospital to be fully checked out.

Later that day, a police officer came by our house with a new bike for our son, bought by the driver. He gave us a letter with the driver’s insurance information and said something to the effect of, “Her address is there too if you want to thank her for the new bike. It was really nice of them.” I was shocked that he would say that.

I think it was a nice gesture, but she hit my son with a car! The driver admitted that he was distracted. At the scene, she said she thought she had hit a dog. I could go on but suffice it to say the driver was 100% at fault.

I put the new bike in the garage. My son saw it there and wanted to ride it. I stayed until our insurance claim was accepted, and we went for a ride today. The new bike isn’t as good as the old one, but he was excited about it because it’s a different color. I am so thankful that he is doing well and is not afraid of the bike again. My question is, should I write that thank you note? If so, can you give me the words? – MOTHER OF BICYCLES IN WASHINGTON

DEAR MOM: I can think of a few choice words, but no rules of etiquette require you to thank the woman for the bicycle that was destroyed due to her carelessness.

DEAR ABBY: I have a group of friends that I have known for 40 years. Over time, we have become politically divided. This was not a problem until recently. Every time we get together now, I get yelled at about my political choices. At first I tried to defend my position, but he yelled at me. Then I explained that I don’t want to talk about politics, that I respect their right to have a different opinion and to respect my right. This only works temporarily. Next time we meet, it’s the same. It’s like they think if they all talk at once, they can convince me. They can’t and I have no desire to convince them.

It’s gotten to the point where I’m no longer comfortable in their company, and obviously they’re not in mine, as they now date without me. I can make new friends, but 40 years is a long time and I miss them. Is there nothing I can do other than pretend I agree with them, which I won’t? – SPECIAL ISSUES IN NEW YORK

SPECIAL DEAR ISSUES: Just as your old friends can’t do anything more to convince you, the opposite is also true. Now you have reached an impasse. Politics aside, these friends are yelling at you and not respecting your wishes. For your own sake, it might be time to step back and cultivate friends who are more tolerant than these people seem.

Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.