Which is why, when compromise is imminent, I occasionally find myself dripping wet.

Water never hurt anyone, I tell myself. Then I remember Noah. And Jack. And Jill. But so far, I have avoided drowning in my own sorrow, which probably means I am losing fewer compromises than my brother.

Our house lives in an era of an uneasy truce. Fortunately, nobody is bent on world domination.

If I would just learn to put toilet seat down or wipe counter after myself, I could strike a diplomatic coup. However, if I did, I would have to fork out for an embassy reception, and my wife is only caterer in house. Plus it would force her into a most uncomfortable corner of having to put other toilet seat down and close lights when she leaves room to avoid a diplomatic faux pas.

Being a loving husband, I am determined to protect my wife from any discomfort in her own house (or having to cater a diplomatic reception), so I resist temptation to score such a diplomatic coup and I continue to leave counter tops wet.

It is sometimes for greater good to allow a friendly exchange of sniper fire, taking cover if it looks like it might get out of hand. The world is a much more peaceful place when we just accept that we can all happily get along, and that we are in no real danger living perpetually on brink of compromise.

Some people have a special interest or belief in their astrological information. If this is case with your friend, consider giving him or her a physical symbol of zodiac and of your love with a zodiac stone gift, sometimes called Astral Stones. As with birthstone tradition, a gemstone is assigned to each of twelve zodiac signs. If your friend is a Cancer, for instance, he or she will cherish an emerald and its professed abilities to increase courage and health. When presenting a zodiac stone gift, include a description of gem's astrological significance and origins. Following is a list of zodiac stones:

Aquarius -- Garnet Pisces -- Amethyst, Aquamarine Aries -- Bloodstone Taurus -- Sapphire Gemini -- Agate, Alexandrite Cancer -- Emerald Leo -- Onyx, Peridot Virgo -- Carnelian Libra -- Opal Scorpio -- Beryl Sagittarius -- Topaz Capricorn -- Ruby

Whether you purchase a birthstone or a zodiac gemstone, you'll honor your friend's thirtieth birthday in a distinctive, personal, and memorable way.