SISTER CAN’T STAND NEW GIRLFRIEND

Dear Coleen

I’m a man of 32 and started dating a great woman in October. It’s still early days, but we get along really well and I’m hoping the relationship is going somewhere.

The problem is my sister, who I’ve always been really close to, has taken an instant dislike to my girlfriend. My girlfriend has been great about it, although she has every right to be angry with my sister, who’s generally rude and unpleasant in her company.

I confronted my sister and she reckons my girlfriend “stole” her pal’s boyfriend a few years ago. My sister thinks I’m an idiot for getting involved with someone who could do that, so she’s doing her best to sabotage things. Any advice?

Coleen says

Yes, I think you have to stand up to your sister and make it clear that you’re big enough and ugly enough to make up your own mind about your girlfriend.

There are two sides to every story and, even if your girlfriend did “steal” this mate’s boyfriend, it’s in the past and has nothing to do with your situation now.

Your sister ought to back off and give this girl a chance but, if she can’t do that, then don’t see your sister when you’re with your girlfriend.

I’m not sure why your sister feels it’s her place to tell you, at

32, who you can or can’t date.

My advice is to ignore it and perhaps if she stops getting a reaction from you, she’ll realise she’s fighting a losing battle and move on.