Dear Neil: My husband’s twin brother is both rude and thoughtless. He informed good friends at Thanksgiving that we couldn’t make it to dinner, so we felt snubbed when we weren’t invited. But we weren’t informed, and we were available. When we moved into our house, he asked the price we paid. When we told […]
What Should I Do About A Problem Sibling?
Dear Neil: I cut my alcoholic sister off because of her drinking and abusive behavior. She had been arrested several times, and it’s painful to keep watching someone make the same mistakes over and over again. Recently, she texted me and said that she went to a treatment program for a month. Her boyfriend never […]
How Do I Get Over a Painful Relationship?
Dear Neil: I’m completely lost about a 10 year relationship. We started dating when I was 28 (at the time he was 37 and working as a surgeon). A month later, he wanted me to move in with him. But one day, when I surprised him with a visit, I learned he had another woman […]
Do I Let My Sister Live in Her Car, or Do I Intervene?
Dear Neil: My sister has been unemployed for many years, even through she has a masters degree. Any job suggested to her, or opportunities for an interview, she has not followed up on. Her current reason for not working is that she doesn’t want to have to pay taxes. Friends and family have allowed her […]
Want to be Closer to Your Siblings?
Dear Neil: We are a retired couple who feel saddened and disappointed by our three grown-up children. They barely communicate with each other, and rarely remember birthdays, Christmas or each other’s children. On the rare occasion when we get together as a family, such as a wedding, the time is fraught with tension. I would […]