DEAR ABBY: Sister’s ‘gifts’ can do more harm than good

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Dear Abby: My sister is cheap. She I also don’t know how to choose gifts for people. Often what she gives is worse than if reset didn't do anything at all. Example: She was just here visiting and brought my 4 year old a toy car. reset Picked it up at a garage sale (so far so good), but one of the wheels was broken. She had the wheel in her purse and said something about gluing it back on. included, but never did. As soon as she left, we tried to glue her together, but it turned out to be a toy. there wasn't fixable and my son was very disappointed.

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This Not This is the first time this has happened. Eat the history of clothes that are too small, torn or dirty, toys were sent so late that the child has long outgrown this stage, etc. His it's not about the money. She director of a large law school, so she can buy whatever she likes. It's a matter of attention.

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I have told her several times not to bring gifts anymore, but she hides her disappointment and says she loves seeing the children. open the things she brings. Someday my children will grow up and see her behavior as strange, but for now I want it to stop. Am I right? — GIFT GAP IN THE WEST

DEAR GIFT RIFT: You're not wrong. Your sister seems “a little out of her mind.” I agree with you that one day, in the not too distant future, your children will be perceptive enough to notice that the “gifts” your sister brings are stained or broken and chosen without their interests or taste in mind. To avoid this problem, it would be to not invite her over on birthdays or holidays. time, or intercept her inappropriate gifts before the children see them.

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Dear Abby: Last year we renovated our house. We now have a south facing roof ready for solar panels. Our utility company has an equipment cost incentive program, but it ends in six months.

The only thing holding us back is the neighbors tall old tree that is shading our roof where the panels would go. The tree has cracked and has been falling in sections over the past few years. Previous the homeowners had to repair the front windows and gutter after a large branch fell during a thunderstorm.

The current owners are a young couple with a small child. From time to time we had friendly conversations, but Not really know them. Would it be presumptuous to ask if they would be willing to let us pay to remove their tree? People may be unhappy with their property. But maybe they I wouldn't don't assume that someone else will tell you what is there likely, inevitable price.

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We want to continue to maintain friendly relations and at the same time promote our project. Thoughts? — MODERNIZATION IN NORTH CAROLINA

DEAR UPDATE: Since you have warm relations with these neighbors, this shouldn't it would be insulting to point out that their tree is a problem. When you do, tell them that a falling branch damaged their front windows and gutter, resulting in costly repairs. Explain what cracks in wood can represent danger to your baby, and then voluntarily communicate that you are more than willing to pay the cost of its removal.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jean Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact dear Abby at DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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