Your wedding plans should not put one parent in debt

Dear Annie: My parents divorced years ago. Dad waited patiently while Mom chose between him and another man. In the end, Mom chose the other guy, but it didn’t work out. Neither have any of her other relationships. Meanwhile, my dad married a lovely, classy and extremely wealthy woman. They have found true happiness, while my mom has become bitter and jealous.

I love both of my parents, but it’s difficult to be around my mother when she constantly whines and complains about Dad, saying he has money and she doesn’t. My grandmother had to take over most of Mom’s financial responsibilities, including helping to pay for our expenses growing up.

Here’s the problem. My sister is getting married. She is paying for part of the wedding, but asked our parents to help with the rest. Dad gave her a check for his share. Mom, on the other hand, is unable to pay, and Grandma says she is not covering the cost. This was a surprise because Grandma has always said “yes” in the past. Mom won’t tell my sister because she doesn’t want to upset her. She doesn’t want Dad to know she can’t afford it, which is ridiculous because he’s well aware that she is financially strapped. He probably assumes Grandma will pay.

She needs to grow up and live within her means instead of trying to keep up with Dad and his wife. But telling her that would crush her. What can I do? -- Worried

Dear Worried: There’s only so much reassurance you can give Mom if she cannot overcome her insecurities. That requires professional help. But there is no reason to protect your sister from the difficulties she has caused. Tell her the wedding is a financial burden that Mom cannot manage, and to find another way to pay for the extra cost.

Dear Annie: My husband enjoyed sex when we had it, but I initiated every session. After five years, I started to feel as if I was begging for it and asked him to take the lead some of the time. He didn’t.

He didn’t do any of the things the counselor suggested. That was seven years ago, and we haven’t been intimate since. Suggestions? -- Another Sad Wife

Dear Sad: Make sure your husband has a thorough checkup, you might consider counseling for yourself. While you cannot force your husband to change, you can work on your own happiness. Our condolences.