Separation...gifts...etiquette?

[PrettyCandles]

My sister and her partner of more than 10 years are having a trial separation. There's no anger between them, AFAI am aware, but it's what she has chosen to do. Thing is, do we give him Xmas present?

I would. He's been with your sister for more than ten years afterall, he must feel like part of the family. Definitely, and they may get back together afterall and if they don't, well no one can say you weren't a good family to him IYSWIM.
HTH x

Does giving him a gift send some sort of message, do you think? I really don't know how I feel about this situation - I want what's best for my sister and what will make her happy in the long run, and if ending this relationship is whta she needs then I don't want to interfere.

I would because it's a trial separation. If you're really worried about your sister, could you ask her?

I think I will give him something as usual. He's a nice guy, and we will all be very sad if they break up.

I would if it's not a bitter kind of separation - maybe ask your sister if she'd be ok with it first though, in case it does get worse (so it doesn't seem disloyal in hindsight iyswim).