+1 for a question that’s not about the polite way to approach an awkward issue. Manners are great, but they do get boring. I appreciate the candidness of this request. :) — Joe 59 secs ago

Scientology's courses are generally expensive. Ex-Scientologists have said that Scientology is extremist and was something they had to escape. — Andrew Mackie 1 min ago

+1, especially for my = the one I gave you. — Lawrence 48 secs ago

This isn't an answer as it doesn't tell you how to avoid (socks). But why not treat the (socks) as a type of currency? Just collect them and then given them away as 'the traditional present' at opportune moments. People don't seem to be too fussed about getting you ones that fit, so (socks) sounds like a social custom, given only for its symbolism. — Lawrence 46 secs ago

I disagree that it would be awkward. Two adults that are friends should be able to have that direct conversation. Beating around the bush with (passive aggressive) hints here and there however can make things awkward. — Raditz_35 47 secs ago

+1 for acknowledging that the beard itself may be drawing people's eyes. — cactus_pardner 1 min ago

I agree with this 200%. Wording is important, as important as understanding the meaning of it, and Jane never said more than you can keep it ("long term" if needed), and never ever mentioned a gift. +1 — OldPadawan 21 secs ago

May I have an explanation into the downvote please? — Kevin 1 min ago

Downvoted. You might want to adapt your conditioning to the fact that the OP is dealing with a person and not a dog. If someone would show me a random red card, I'd be disconcerted to say the very least, and outraged if I happen to understand that they are trying to condition me. — LinuxBlanket 56 secs ago

I agree on the psychological basis and I appreciate it, but this particular approach feels downright mocking. Perhaps a less obvious input (interrupting her with questions or remarks? Looking away?) would be better. — LinuxBlanket 1 min ago