Ask Amy: Tough talk has to start somewhere
I recently learned that my niece moved into her first house.
I texted her congratulations and asked for her mailing address, in order to send the invitation. She responded: “Please send it to my father’s house, as it’s just easier.”
Easier than receiving mail at her own house?
She’s made it clear that she wants to stay angry.
I assumed that including her in the family event might begin to heal bad feelings. Now I’m just annoyed.
I’m supposed to invite someone to a wedding that won’t tell me where she lives?
– Offended
Dear Offended: You sound like a mature person, but you might be too willing to chalk your niece’s response up to a family rift, rather than a simple and truthful instruction.
I can think of many reasons why a person who is in a new home might not be confident about her mail service, but your niece’s refusal to communicate about the recent dust-up in your family is bound to make you wonder.
Dear Amy: I was quite disturbed by your response to “Gardener,” who witnessed two teenage boys stealing plants from her garden.
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