Ask Amy: DNA discovery leads to unsavory letters
Your situation does not qualify as a family secret (you’ve already uncovered and disclosed the truth, and have connected with your sibling), but this falls into the: “What good would be served?” category.
Sharing a private letter from many decades ago where two very young people discussed the prospect of ending a pregnancy seems pointless. “Barb” might have already assumed that terminating the pregnancy was considered before her biological parents decided on adoption.
I don’t quite know what you consider “unsavory,” but I don’t think you should share anything unsavory, unless the information disclosed would have an impact on Barb’s physical health.
Dear Amy: My long-time partner and I both read your column. Among our issues is his unending interest in “death and dying” TV programs that are so disheartening to me.
I can leave the room, but I can still hear all the gory details that I don’t want to hear. It also seems unhealthy to watch these programs so often.
He says I am being unfair, and I say he is unfair. It’s a downer to hear so many of these sad programs, but he says it’s very interesting.
Are there any compromises you can suggest that will keep us from having this unending disagreement?
— A
Dear A: I assume you are referring to various “true crime” shows (like “Forensic Files,” which runs — episode after episode — every afternoon and evening on a cable channel near you).
I know about these shows because I listen to them (I get television programming on my radio).
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