To mend relationship, treat brother as equal

sounds that way because it is. Why?: “Little” brother; “he needed to grow up”; “he’s doing a good thing by working hard to prepare to be a good dad.” Each of these translates to, “I am the adult in this relationship and he is the child.”

Since such distinctions aren’t necessary here, the “little” in “little brother” is bias. To get the strain out of the relationship will take concessions from both sides (aptly), but I suspect your contribution will solve it. That’s because your part is to dismantle your bias and see him as your equal, no qualifiers. Can you do it?

Dear Carolyn: Daughter, 32, owns her own lovely townhouse. Been living with Boyfriend for three-plus years. Boyfriend recently took a promotion that requires him to be in another city three weeks per month, and one week with her. She seems OK with the situation. He’s even moving some of his furniture there. I think it’s a strange situation for a young, unmarried couple. Should I just butt out? It bothers me — like Daughter can’t get on with her life. Any comments? — Anonymous

Carolyn says: Would it bother you less if Boyfriend sat on the floor three weeks per month, instead of moving some of his stuff?

Yes, they appear to be on course for less of a commitment to each other versus more, and yes that will bother a loving bystander who defines “get on with her life” in terms of marriage, children, commingled furniture, detached home.

I’m less impressed by how unconventional this arrangement is, though, than I am by how selfsufficient your daughter seems to be. Sure, there are plenty of risks involved. But I don’t see any hint in your letter that she’s not capable of spotting, managing and, if needed, recovering from these risks herself.