#1182, #1183, #1184: “Do I have to be friends with my sibling?” or, Advice For Relationships You Don’t Want to Lose But Don’t Want To Work At.

March 4, 2019March 4, 2019 ~ JenniferP ~ 172 Comments

Hi Captain, For over a decade, I had a really bad relationship with my sister. She struggled with addiction and suicide ideation and, often, was just plain mean. I enabled her by making sure I was always available to her during her emotional crises and never saying no to anything she wanted. I got a … Continue reading #1182, #1183, #1184: “Do I have to be friends with my sibling?” or, Advice For Relationships You Don’t Want to Lose But Don’t Want To Work At.

#1059: The reluctant pet-sitter (An ‘Art of No’ Post)

December 11, 2017 ~ JenniferP ~ 340 Comments

Dear Captain, This seems like a very minor thing to be asking for help with, I know. But I feel like even if there's no solution to my "problem", getting the input of a bunch of neutral parties (particularly neutral parties with solid understandings of boundaries) would make me feel better, and if you feel … Continue reading #1059: The reluctant pet-sitter (An ‘Art of No’ Post)

#673: My insufferable brother is ruining all the time I spend with my family + Winter Pledge Drive.

February 27, 2015February 27, 2015 ~ JenniferP ~ 176 Comments

Dear Captain, I have only one sibling, an older brother. He is in his late thirties and still lives with my parents. He's never lived on his own, whereas I moved out as soon as I could at 18. He has a BA in Accounting, he works full time, he pays rent to my parents … Continue reading #673: My insufferable brother is ruining all the time I spend with my family + Winter Pledge Drive.

#540: My sister is making my visits home a nightmare.

January 25, 2014January 25, 2014 ~ JenniferP ~ 94 Comments

The Winter Pledge Drive continues! Thanks to those who have given so far. Please consider throwing a few $ in the tip jar if you can. Dear Captain, I have a younger sibling who has a lot of mental health problems. She is still in school and living with our parents, while I am off … Continue reading #540: My sister is making my visits home a nightmare.

#445: My brother is marrying a stranger!

February 8, 2013May 31, 2019 ~ JenniferP ~ 89 Comments

Hello Captain and Friends, I come from the type of broken home that looks shiny on the outside. The one bright spot in growing up with my neglectful (but not abusive towards me) parents was/is my big brother. We've always been very close and have essentially been each other's best friends since some rather cruel … Continue reading #445: My brother is marrying a stranger!

#416: How do I get a Team You?

December 31, 2012December 31, 2012 ~ alphakitty ~ 61 Comments

Greetings! I have a question about Team You. Mainly, how does obtain such a wondrous thing? I am in a situation where I am the primary caretaker for an elderly parent with serious health issues. She requires a great deal of time and energy- mental more than physical. The rest of my family is basically … Continue reading #416: How do I get a Team You?

Reader question #114: How do I reconnect with my estranged brother and help him form a relationship with his niece?

September 21, 2011September 21, 2011 ~ JenniferP ~ 9 Comments

Dear Captain Awkward - I write for a reality check from you and your wise readers regarding the plan I have devised going forward with my brother. The backstory: my brother's wife has chronic health problems, and some mental health issues as well (who wouldn't?). She is totally isolated from her family, and basically only … Continue reading Reader question #114: How do I reconnect with my estranged brother and help him form a relationship with his niece?