Sister-in-law’s sensory issues are hers to manage, so invite stands

Dear Carolyn: My husband’s sister has a sensory processing disorder. She was diagnosed right before our wedding and when she told us, my husband said it really clarified a lot of his childhood. She explained to us that most of her life is overcoming this and she would like family events to be as accommodating as possible.

My husband and I are sympathetic, so we always have events with no media on in the background. We crate our dog, put away the loudest toys, serve familiar and basic foods. My husband’s family is local and my family is not.

This Thanksgiving, we are hosting my extended family. I do not want to invite my sister-in-law or my husband’s parents. It would be really hard, if not impossible, to keep the noise level down. My kids will be playing with their cousins, my Dad will want to watch football, and my husband and I will be focused on cooking. I would like to see my in-laws after the holiday instead.

My husband thinks we should invite everybody, but let his sister know we cannot accommodate her, and she can decide if she wants to come. What do you think?

— Host

Host: I think this is a no-brainer, if we cut the question down to its basic elements: You want to exclude your disabled inlaw for being disabled.

Right? So, nope.

Your husband has an elegant solution— it shows you value her, want her to join you and understand she might want to opt out the noise. Why didn’t you agree to it right away?

Dear Carolyn: Re: Sister-in-law: I wonder if Host actually has chosen a terrible reason as cover for a simpler reason— that holidays are usually with her husband’s family and this year she wants to celebrate with only her family. She doesn’t want his parents there, either.

It seems that isn’t an unreasonable ask, but she should own her preference rather than try to pretend that she is just trying to protect the sister-in-law.

— Anonymous

Anonymous: If that’s what Host really wants, then that’s what Host needs to say.