Husband needs to call a family meeting
I don't even know this guy anymore. He has never been part of my life, and has never visited me in the U.S. in the 40 years I've lived here.
I feel like I will be betraying my niece if I have a relationship with him; I think he is a monster and should be behind bars.
I have not replied to his email and am waiting to hear what you have to say.
-- Wondering
Dear Wondering: Responding to a "bid" is not the same as having a relationship. I think you should respond very briefly and simply and see what he wants, and why. This could be the opportunity to you to very honestly tell him what you think of him. You have the right to confront him over these "little differences," which don't sound little at all.
Dear Amy: "Wayward Dad" described his anguish over his distant relationship with his son and grandchildren, who lived 3000 miles away.
My husband and I dealt with this by leaving our town and our friends, picking up and moving to be near our family.
We treasure our closeness to the kids, and now travel great distances to see our pals.
-- Works for Us
Dear Works: A great solution.
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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.)
