Ask Amy: Woman named Karen isn’t a ‘Karen’
My daughters decided on their own to decline the invitation.
Here’s my dilemma: My youngest sister told me that none of this would have happened if I had gone to the funeral. She wants me to explain my reasoning to our niece.
I shouldn’t be made to feel guilty for prioritizing my health.
I already explained my reasons and she didn’t accept them.
I think the only way she will come around is if she sees how her actions are going to affect her. There will be future family events, like my daughters’ weddings, that she will be invited to. What is she going to do? Not come?
Any suggestions?
– Excluded Aunt
Dear Excluded: The only thing I notice is that you don’t report ever actually asking if the funeral would be conducted according to COVID-safe guidelines. You made some assumptions and made your decision based on these assumptions.
Aside from that, I don’t see any justification for apologizing to someone who has behaved as your niece has.
I hope you will find ways to stay connected with other family members. This sort of drama is sometimes the trigger for extended estrangements.
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