One sunny afternoon, Dolly and Ruby, two longtime friends, sat together on the front porch, sipping their coffee and chatting about their favorite topic – grandchildren.

Dolly sighed, shaking her head. “You know, every year I send each of my grandchildren a card for their birthday. Inside, I always put a very generous check. But you know what? I never hear from them. No calls, no texts, no thank-you notes. Nothing.”

Ruby, her eyes twinkling mischievously, nodded. “Oh, I know exactly what you mean. I send my grandchildren generous checks too, every year.”

Dolly looked surprised. “Really? Do you hear back from them?”

“Of course!” Ruby replied with a grin. “Within a week, I get phone calls, messages, and even personal visits. They come right to my door, all smiles and politeness.”

Dolly leaned forward, intrigued. “Wow! How on earth do you manage that?”

Ruby chuckled softly and leaned in closer. “Oh, it’s easy,” she said. “I just don’t sign the check.”

Dolly’s eyes widened, and then she burst into laughter, realizing her friend’s clever trick. Sometimes, a little strategy goes a long way!