Open-carry around kids?

Dear Amy: My brother-inlaw and I don’t have a particularly good relationship, and one of the sticking points is gun ownership.

He believes in the right to carry (openly), and I think guns should be carried only by police.

Every time I ask him not to bring guns near our family (we have three young children), he gets unbelievably offended.

Is there a polite way to ask him to please leave his guns at home?

Among other things, this issue is causing our wives (the sisters) to be unable to spend time together.

Any suggestions? Concerned Dad

Dear Dad: Your first job is to try to protect your children, regardless of who might be offended by your effort.

It is a sad and very grim fact that the most likely victims of accidental shootings are children. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 are particularly vulnerable.

According to an investigation by the AP and USA Today Network in 2016 (which analyzed 1,000 children killed or injured through accidental shootings), every other day a young child in America is killed with a gun.

All responsible gun owners use gun safes, and that is where they keep their deadly weapons — not slung on their hips.

If your brother-in-law refuses to relinquish his weapon, unless he controls his wife’s movements, there is no reason why these two (unarmed) women can’t get together.

Dear Amy: My husband and I have been married for nine years. He has a 20-yearold son from his first marriage, and we have a daughter together.

My husband has remained close with his exwife’s family. We have had a good relationship with his ex. She and her four siblings continue to invite us to most family get-togethers, and we’ve spent holidays together.

I attend their events with my husband and daughter, and endure it for my stepson and husband’s sake, even though I am quite uncomfortable.

Now, my husband’s exwife’s niece is getting married. Of course, we will attend the wedding. Her (ladies-only) bridal shower is coming up, and my husband is insisting that I attend.

To me, it is torture to have to go to this shower alone. It’s one thing when my husband is there, but without him, I don’t see any reason to go. I would, of course, still send a gift.

I have “sucked it up” too many times to count.

I believe he is disrespecting me for trying to force me to do something I don’t want to do. I am a grown woman, for goodness’ sake, and I should be allowed to make my own decisions.

Your insight? Distraught

Dear Distraught: Your husband does not get to tell you to “suck it up” for a wedding shower. People have to suck it up for Thanksgiving dinner, or funerals, but a wedding shower can be a dreadful event, even if you don’t feel awkward and out of place.

If your husband wants a family representative at this shower, maybe you could loan him a nice pair of peau de soie pumps, and he can go in your place.

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