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Oct. 12th, 2021
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ceretaDEAR ABBY: My brother-in-law (age 75) apparently doesn't like kids. He and my sister are childless. He just told my husband that what he doesn't like about our family gatherings is the attention everyone shows my two granddaughters. (They are 7 and 8.) At a recent gathering, he actually threw down game pieces and stomped off when they approached. Should I sever contact with my sister and him? I know if I tell my son about this, my son will cut ties with them. What parent forces their children on anyone who doesn't like them? Your advice might help. -- FAMILY GAL IN ALABAMA
DEAR FAMILY GAL: Not everyone relates well to kids. That said, your brother-in-law's behavior was appalling. Have a private talk with your sister. Could he be entering a second childhood? Knowing how he feels about children, if you wish to see him and your sister, consider socializing with them separately. If other family members with children invite them to anything other than an adults-only gathering, Sissy and her hubby should politely offer their regrets.
DEAR FAMILY GAL: Not everyone relates well to kids. That said, your brother-in-law's behavior was appalling. Have a private talk with your sister. Could he be entering a second childhood? Knowing how he feels about children, if you wish to see him and your sister, consider socializing with them separately. If other family members with children invite them to anything other than an adults-only gathering, Sissy and her hubby should politely offer their regrets.
ekaterinnDear Carolyn: I am getting divorced; my husband walked out to move in with his girlfriend. I was totally blindsided.
During the early stages of our relationship, he asked that I cut off communication with almost all my friends from high school and college. I regret that I complied, and I also never set up Facebook — again, at his insistence.
Now I want to get back in touch with people — I am lonely as all heck — but I was the one who cut them off. Trying to explain sounds like I’m a bitter divorcing woman. Any ideas?
— Lonely
( Carolyn's response )
During the early stages of our relationship, he asked that I cut off communication with almost all my friends from high school and college. I regret that I complied, and I also never set up Facebook — again, at his insistence.
Now I want to get back in touch with people — I am lonely as all heck — but I was the one who cut them off. Trying to explain sounds like I’m a bitter divorcing woman. Any ideas?
— Lonely
( Carolyn's response )