ArcaMax

The law of natural consequences states that the natural reaction to being berated is to avoid the person who is berating you. If your brother has reasonable concerns to share, he should find a reasonable way to express them.

People are panicking right now. Your brother no doubt feels powerless. This doesn't absolve him of the need to behave respectfully, however, and now - he has lost access to you.

Do not involve your mother in this conflict. He is her son, and she will defend his behavior in order to try to resolve this conflict between her two children.

In the future, you should approach every contact with your brother as an opportunity for a fresh start. If he can't move forward, and chooses to try to relitigate this issue with you at every turn, then you will know that he is simply not ready, or able, to start over.

Dear Amy: I'm a small-business owner and have around 10 employees.

During the COVID shutdown I am continuing to pay all my employees their full salary. Some are at home, while some are able to work in isolated and safe shifts - strictly following the state guidelines for this industry.

One employee is agitating to be fired. This person is eager to receive unemployment benefits, believing - I suppose - that I would rehire them when the benefits run out.

I can keep my business afloat for around six months before running into serious trouble.

I am not judging anyone for taking government money, but I am disgusted by this individual who is gainfully employed but who basically wants things both ways.

I have now heard a rumor that the employee went ahead and applied for unemployment - despite still being employed and paid by me.

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