Uncle wonders why family members are ghosting him
Dear Perplexed: I think that graduation tickets are sometimes harder to procure than seats aboard space flights. You see this as a rude exclusion, but it is also possible that your friend was both trying to honor you by including you, while also letting your husband off the hook.
You responded promptly and honestly (good for you), but it isn't fair for you to link this to your previous generosity, which you offered of your own volition (you could have said no), and which your friend lapped up. Generosity is not a quid pro quo. It should be its own reward.
Dear Amy: The question from "Sleepless and Hopeless" rang a bell. Sleepless is estranged from her adult daughter.
I am in my mid-40s and estranged from my mother.
Please tell Sleepless to say her piece in a letter and then do the right thing and let her daughter go.
Work with a therapist on herself and her issues. Grieve for the daughter she lost.
If she backs off, the daughter might just process her feelings at her own pace and get in touch.
-- Been There
Dear Been There: Great advice. Thank you.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
