Mother plays favourites, but it’s her right to do so

Dear Annie: I am the middle sister of three. My mother has always favoured my younger sister, “Louise,” despite periods of seriously bad behaviour. Mom has bailed Louise out of numerous poor financial decisions. She also takes her and her son on cruises and buys them expensive presents.

I recently found out that Mom is giving Louise a regular monthly allowance. This is creating some resentment. I feel I’m being punished for working hard and making better choices. Mom says she’ll make it up to me when she passes, but I doubt there will be much left at this rate.

I make an effort to include my mother in everything with my family, but Louise only spends time with Mom when she’s being treated to a shopping spree. My older sister is in desperate need of assistance, and I want to ask my mother to match what she gives to

Louise. Am I being fair or greedy? — Distressed Daughter

Dear Daughter: This has nothing to do with fairness. Your mother is playing favourites, and your resentment is perfectly understandable. Nonetheless, it’s Mom’s money. She is not obligated to give any of her adult children an allowance, and if she wants to give everything to Louise, that is her choice. If it alienates her from her older daughters, that is the sad consequence.

Dear Annie: Please tell Lonely in Pa., the 50-year-old virgin, that one way to expand his search for a partner is through internet dating sites. These sites are especially helpful for mature singles. I’m a pastor and have officiated at marriages of those who first met on the web.