Dear Annie: My older sister, “Susie,” is 33 and has been receiving financial support from my parents for more than a decade. They give her money outright and also pay her car insurance, health insurance and other bills. Susie does not work. She’s in a master’s program, but it is unclear whether she will finish. My mother believes she needs to help Susie, as she has had mental illness issues throughout her adulthood.
I am not upset that Susie is receiving money from my parents. It also doesn’t bother me that I am not likely to receive similar assistance. But I worry that my parents are giving Susie no reason to finish her degree or pursue a job. I consider it enabling.
On several occasions, Susie has maxed out her credit cards, and my mother paid those off. My parents do not have the money to continue doing this. Is it appropriate to speak with them about this? — A Sister Who Doesn’t Know What To Do
Dear Sister: We don’t know the extent of Susie’s “mental illness issues” and whether or not she is capable of holding down a job or finishing her degree. Your parents believe they need to help her until she can support herself, and that pursuing a master’s degree will allow her to find gainful employment. We hope they are right. While you do not get to decide how your parents spend their money, you can bring up this subject and ask whether they have made arrangements for Susie’s care after they are gone.
Dear Annie: I have been married for 20 years to the youngest of seven siblings. Whenever a niece or nephew has married or had children, the aunts (myself included) have given a shower. The problem is, I’m never asked. I’m just told. Once, I didn’t even know until I received an invitation with my name listed. Am I crazy to think that my husband’s sisters should ask whether I’m interested in hosting a shower? I’m expected to make food, clean up and share expenses, but never given the opportunity to give any input. The few times I tried, I was completely ignored. To make matters worse, my husband’s family believes they need to invite a huge number of people, which means a hall must be rented and the total cost becomes prohibitive. Each shower has gotten bigger and more expensive, and each time, I’m simply informed of how big of a check I need to write and what I need to cook.
We have a congenial but not close relationship with his siblings, and we don’t have children ourselves. How do I get the point across that I don’t want to be a hostess without completely offending the family? — Unwilling in Nebraska
Dear Nebraska: We won’t get into the etiquette of family members hosting a shower or having one so large that you must rent a hall. They aren’t likely to pay attention to those things. Find a time when there are no upcoming events scheduled to talk to the sister-in-law with whom you are closest. Explain that you appreciate being included as a regular hostess, but you cannot always manage it. Ask them sweetly to please consult you before assuming you will take on these responsibilities. (You may need to remind them more than once.)
Dear Annie: I, too, would like to weigh in on the discussion regarding whether or not to have flowers at a funeral.
Funerals are for the loved ones left behind. I attended the funeral of my friend’s only daughter, and we were asked to bring flowers because her daughter loved them. They were overflowing.
There are 364 other days to donate to charity. People can send a donation in honor or in memory of anyone at any time. — Not a Florist
Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.