In today's Dear Annie column, Annie Lane hears from a reader who wonders if she should have said something to her sister-in-law during a family argument.
I have a sister-in-law who can’t seem to attend any family gathering without cornering someone for a confrontation. For years, that someone was me. I waited for my husband to step in, but after nothing changed, I finally decided to set some boundaries. Looking back, I wish I had spoken up sooner, but I hesitated because she’s my husband’s sister.
At the most recent family gathering, we were supposed to be celebrating a birthday at a local restaurant. I was relieved to be ignored for once, but unfortunately, she shifted her attention to her other brother and his wife. I could tell they were uncomfortable, and eventually, her brother had enough and left the table. His wife, instead of standing up for herself, checked on my sister-in-law, who was now crying and playing the victim, before going after her husband.
I felt like I should have said something, but I found myself once again debating whether it was my place to step in. My husband and I later discussed how we would handle future gatherings that turn toxic. We’ve decided that if the drama starts, we will simply get up and leave. We don’t want our children exposed to this immature behavior any longer.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dear Annie: Elderly man torn between 2 women who want to stay ‘just friends’I currently have low self-esteem, stay depressed and find myself wondering how to grasp for a reason to continue living.
Read more »
Dear Annie, How do I stand up to a passive-aggressive friend?A reader asks how to deal with a bad friend.
Read more »
Dear Annie: I hate myself for the mistakes I’ve madeAdvice from Annie Lane.
Read more »
Dear Annie: How can we support our daughter during a hard time?A reader seeks advice on helping their daughter who is going through a tough time emotionally.
Read more »
Dear Annie: My wife is addicted to painkillers and I’m exhaustedAfter 25 years of marriage, I’m about ready to file for divorce.
Read more »
Dear Annie: My supervisor angrily told me I should never discuss my salary with another employeeHe said that pretty much no one was getting raises, at which point I tentatively mentioned that I’d heard some other employees had received raises.
Read more »