Grandson is caught up in parents’ refusal to be around criminal son

Dear Abby: Five years ago, our son was arrested for child porn. At the time, he was responsible for running our family business. When he was sent to prison for two years, we realized he had been running it into the ground, plus stealing as much as he could. We have not spoken since.

Our grandson is now being married, and he wants us to attend. We haven’t spoken to our grandson or his father since all this happened.

Must we attend this wedding?

— Bad Blood in Florida

Dear Bad Blood: It would be unfair to shun your grandson for the sins of his father.

MUST you attend the wedding? No.

SHOULD you go? I think so. When you do, be cordial to your son. You do not have to see him often or at all after that, but keep in mind there may be other family celebrations in the future.

Dear Abby: I have a best friend of 15 years. (We even got matching tattoos.) However, I feel like I’m always put on the back burner. I’m easygoing, so maybe she feels she doesn’t need to be a good friend in return? I understand we all have busy lives, but there are 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week. It doesn’t take but a minute to send a text to ask how I’m doing. Am I being unrealistic for wanting a friendship that goes both ways?

— Lost in a Friendship

Dear Lost: It is only unrealistic if you have spoken to your longtime friend about how you feel (15 years late) and she’s unwilling to expend a little more effort in your direction. I recommend you have that long-overdue conversation with her and let her know what your needs are.