NORA
I am sorry that you confused a “serious” relationship with a permanent one (or that could lead to great-granddaughters). That doesn’t always happen, as you already know. The ex has no obligation, other than being sympathetic, to return gifts that were freely given to her. Donors do not retain ownership of gifts.
But maybe a call from your ex about the sentimental value of jewelry can help? When something similar happened in my family, my mother agreed to buy the relics again. (She was furious about it, but she did it.) Is that possible? And next time, think twice before handing over a tiara that you intend to remove if circumstances change.
No longer distant, but still distant
My brother and I were separated for 15 years. The pandemic helped us break our silence. Now, he’s invited me to his 60th birthday party in September, which would require a six-hour flight. Obviously, I’m not going to get on a plane now. How can I preserve our relationship? (Is sensible)
SISTER
I am sorry that the pandemic has thrown a key in your reconciliation with your brother. Call him up and say, “I’m so happy we talk again! I missed you. If there was someone I would take a six-hour flight for, it’s you. But I can’t do that for sure now. I hope you understand. Then send him a thoughtful gift, cross your fingers, and keep talking. It’s not like you have a sensible alternative, is it?
Sign our petition?
For the past four years, since I was 9 years old, I went to a summer camp with my older brother in August. We love it. This year, after establishing many rules on masks and social distancing, our camp announced that it would reopen. But my parents won’t let us go. They don’t think it’s safe. Can we add your name to the list of people protesting our parents’ decision?
AUSTIN
Permission denied, camper! I am sorry that you are disappointed. But I suspect that the low adult-to-child ratio at camp would put too much pressure on you to behave responsibly all the time. (And if my calculations are correct, you are only 13 or 14 years old). Instead, use the influence of your parents’ guilt to convince them to buy you good loot or adopt a dog.
For help with your awkward situation, send a question to [email protected], Philip Galanes on Facebook, or @SocialQPhilip on Twitter.
