Annie's Mailbox: My sister overtips

[cereta]

Dear Annie: My sister always leaves big tips -- like $5 for a cup of coffee. She also is overly generous in other ways. She gave our teenage niece several pairs of expensive boots and was furious when the girl then sold them on eBay.

Six years ago, my sister let her house go to mold. When the local police began asking about her, I stepped in and found someone willing to buy her home and rehab it. She has since lived in an extended-stay hotel and is now on anti-depressants.

I recently met her for lunch. We both ordered soup for a total of $8. I left a 20 percent tip, but as I was walking out the door, I caught her checking out my tip and then adding to it. She brags about her big tips. Frankly, I don't want to meet up with her anymore. How should I handle this? -- Indy

Dear Indy: Has your sister been screened to see if she is bipolar? Her anti-depressant may not be adequate. We know her behavior is irritating, but please don't cut her off over this. It is a minor annoyance to you if she overtips, but your presence may be a major source of support for her.

Comments

[mommy]

I agree. The tipping seems quite reasonable. The rest is a problem.