DEAR ABBY: My sister, “Chris,” has two adult sons; I have an adult daughter, “Dori.” My husband, Dori and I are close and happy. Chris doesn’t believe in having only one child and never misses an opportunity to point out to me what a hardship it is to be an only child -- e.g., “It will be so hard on Dori when you die.”
Chris doesn’t know why we had only one child and I will never discuss such a private decision. It infuriates me every time she implies that we have somehow denied my daughter complete happiness by not providing siblings. Dori has given no indication of being unhappy as an only child. What do you think about this? -- BOTHERED IN NEW YORK
DEAR BOTHERED: I am so glad you asked. Your sister’s behavior all these years has been relentless and heartless. For whatever reason, she has it in for you and can’t resist the urge to “stick it to you” whenever she sees the chance. I think you should distance yourself from Chris. Some people choose to have only one child and manage to raise a happy and well-adjusted offspring, as you have done. Others have just one child because they CANNOT have another.
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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
