Stories about secretkeeping from the vault

DEAR READERS >> I hope you enjoy these “Best Of” Q&A from 10 years ago. Today’s topic is “Keeping Secrets.”

I also invite readers to subscribe to my weekly “Asking Amy” newsletter, at amydickinson. substack.com.

I’ll be back with fresh Q&A next week.

DEAR AMY >> My husband has a sister who was born when he was in junior high school.

His parents allowed him to name the baby. He had a crush on a classmate at the time and named her after the classmate. “Caroline” knows she was named for my husband’s classmate, but has never met her.

My husband’s 50th high school reunion is this summer, and they will both be there.

I think my husband should tell his classmate of her namesake, but he is adamantly against it and made me promise not to do so, either.

I think anyone would be honored to have an unknown namesake, especially one as charming and accomplished as “Caroline.”

— Caroline’s Admirer

DEAR ADMIRER >> This is a charming story, but it is not yours to tell. Furthermore, pushing your husband toward this disclosure isn’t useful. You are correct that the elder “Caroline” might be flattered to know that she has a namesake, but there is an equal and opposite possible reaction.

At the reunion, your husband may choose to seek out this person to share his story, or these two Carolines may find one another through another medium, but it should not be through you.

(February 2011)

DEAR AMY >> My brother died from AIDS, and our mother has instructed me, my sisters and our families to keep the cause of his death secret from other family members, friends and neighbors.

When asked how he died, she names some other disease. She has even asked mourners at his funeral to donate to a charity for people suffering from that other disease.

How can I respect my mother’s wishes and also tell the truth, so that I can be “real” with my cousins and other relatives?

I sincerely want to honor my brother’s memory and show support for others with AIDS or HIV.

— Wordless

DEAR WORDLESS >> If your mother has told you to lie about the cause of your brother’s death, then you can’t respect her wishes and also tell the truth. You and your siblings should encourage her to discuss this openly with you, even if she can’t discuss it with others.

You should also consider what you believe your brother would have wanted.

You should be “real” with the people in your life for many reasons, but mainly because you deserve to live honestly and authentically, regardless of how you think others may want you to be. Your family could find support and community for your mother through PFLAG.org.

(April 2011)