Dear LFTP: the promised antiques that went to the brother-in-law
- How do we reconcile feeling used when promised family antiques were given to the brother-in-law?
The Dear LFTP letter: before marriage, a woman and her husband heard stories that the eldest son would inherit the antiques; after long weekends working on the in-laws' honey-do list, the parents gave every piece to the brother-in-law. She asks whether she is out of bounds feeling defrauded and no longer wants to be around them. The hosts separate two issues: the work was not only for the goods, and feeling disappointed is justified, but parting company over the missing bonus is wrong thinking. Mike, addressed by name, reads the Secular answer: ask politely, put promises in writing, and be less at their beck and call. The hosts reject the Secular posture: help because you want to, with no secret motivation.
More on Family
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Dear LFTP: the mother-in-law moved in
- My mother-in-law moved in seven months ago and it’s been difficult — how can we sort this out?
The last letter comes from a wife whose mother-in-law moved in seven months ago with no boundaries, rising bills, unpaid prescriptions, and open disrespect.
From No. 604 · Rearview Mirror
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Dear LFTP: the single man and the holiday cliques
- Would it be wrong for the lonely single man to start declining holiday invitations?
The first Dear LFTP letter: a single man, happy with his life and plenty of friends and family, dreads the holidays — at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings of 15 to 25 people,…
From No. 603 · Found Out
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Dear LFTP: the grandma, 'Libby,' and the weight comment
- Was I wrong to mention my concern about Libby's weight?
Mike reads the letter: she moved 2,000 miles to be near her daughter's family; granddaughter 'Libby' was diagnosed with a medical condition and put on weight.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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Dear LFTP: the Mimi letter ('Call Me Hoopi')
- Is it wrong for a grandmother to be upset when her grandson's other grandmother claims the same nickname?
Mike reads the Dear LFTP letter: a grandmother whose two-year-old grandson calls her Mimi — but the other grandmother claimed Mimi for herself, and the daughter-in-law is annoyed and doesn't want 'mom mom' either.