#family-boundaries

#family-boundaries

Gift-giving is an extension of a relationship and an expression of feeling. Thank you is not a phrase that has passed out of the lexicon. But we don't give to receive thanks. However, if you're feeling the relationship is one-sided, maybe it's time to change the mode of communication. That communication is key here. If you want to hear from the other grandchildren more, you can say so.

My brother and I are both in our late 60s. We're close, and I consider his wife a good friend of mine. I discovered that my brother is engaging in some pretty questionable interactions on the social feed Threads. He's been replying to quite a few posts by barely clothed women, complimenting them, saying he would like to date them, and asking them to DM him. Putting ethics aside, I am concerned that these posts will somehow reach his wife, or his two adult children.

they started guilt-tripping me to take unpaid leave to make it work. I simply can't afford to lose that much income right now. It's starting to make me feel anxious and torn. I want to spend time with them and make memories, but I also need to be responsible about my money, my career and my personal boundaries. I feel like no matter what I do joining for a shorter portion, maybe helping plan some activities from home it won't be enough for them.

Dear Eric: My mother-in-law, Dana, 79, was married for 51 years before her husband passed six years ago. She visits us frequently. When she does, she stays at our house or with one of my husband's sisters. Within the last six months, Dana began dating a senior gentleman, Peter. Apparently, they knew each other in high school and recently reconnected. As of this writing, only the two sisters have met Peter.

My mother has never been particularly fond of my wife, "Ellen." Recently, at my father's birthday party, she got drunk in front everyone-including me, Ellen, and our two kids (5 and 11)-and shouted out a wild accusation. She said that that Ellen "probably screwed around" and that our kids are not mine! We left immediately and haven't spoken to my mother since, but the damage has been done.

I was at my mother's place last week, and I heard my stepfather make a racist joke about a popular children's character on the TV. I told my mother that I don't want her husband at my daughter's party or around my family in the future. She claimed "he was just making a joke" and that I'm taking it too seriously. I said as much to my mother and told her that either her husband stays home or they both do.

My husband and I had two sons, Seth and Jason, who were best buddies. Seth passed away a year and a half ago, which has been really hard on us all, but especially on Jason. He's now 17 and in high school. He's doing OK, but he is still sort of listless and keeps to himself a lot. My sister's son, Matt, was the same age as Seth. She suggested he come stay with us on school breaks as company and a role model