Face facts: troubled sister may never shape up
Dear Annie: My 32-year-old sister, “Ashley,” has always been in trouble. She is a liar and recently got out of drug rehab, but it doesn’t seem to have helped. My parents and Ashley’s biological mom consistently bail her out of trouble, whereas my other siblings and I have to learn from our mistakes.
Ashley is jobless and collecting government assistance and is on Facebook all day long, but says she is “trying.” Ashley is a manipulative con artist. I believe there also may be some mental illness. She is divorced and has three children, and her actions are not in their best interests. I have a big heart, but I cannot find it in me to forgive her for the terrible things she has done and the hurt she has caused. The stress is causing me physical pain.
Ashley is still my sister, and I love her. How do I help her without getting angry about the poor decisions she continues to make?
— Ashley’s Sis
Dear Sis: You cannot help Ashley until she is willing to help herself, and that may never happen. We understand your anger and frustration, but you’ll feel better if you can simply accept that this is who she is. Please concentrate your efforts on those children. They need stability and solid role models in their lives, and you can provide both.
Dear Annie: There is a girl in our group of friends who is really starting to annoy me. She constantly has her phone in her hand. She also won’t do certain things because she’s worried people will “judge” her. She doesn’t play any sports and isn’t in any club, because they’re “lame.” Also, she always needs one friend by her side so she won’t be alone.
— California
Dear California: These highmaintenance friends don’t realize how exhausting they are to be around. If you think you can gently tell her that her insecurities are getting the best of her, go ahead. But it’s a delicate balance. If you think she will turn on you, it might be best to ignore what you can and spend as little time in her company as possible.
Dear Annie: This is in response to “Wanting No Regrets,” who wants to divorce his wife and go back to his ex-fiancée.
I was married for 27 years when I ran into my ex-boyfriend from high school. My marriage wasn’t horrible, just boring. My ex was sweet, wonderful, loving and made me feel 17 again. We decided to get divorced and finally be together.
It only took six months for me to realize what a horrible mistake I had made. Everything I disliked about him in high school was a thousand times worse. I’d forgotten his flaws and convinced myself he was perfect. “Wanting” needs to take off the rosecoloured glasses and remember why he didn’t marry his ex in the first place.
— Been There, Done That