I agree about trying not to bid against folks I know. But also, I try not to bid against anybody at all. I like being the first bidder, and will rarely bid if someone (even if I don't know them) has already bid, and even rarer, will rebid if someone bids against me. On the other hand, I have 'lost' things I really wanted this way, but in my mind, it's the 'sacrifice' I make to not go overboard (hahahahaha) with daylilies....
Meanwhile my wish list keeps growing, and growing..... ~Jan
