DEAR ABBY: I find myself increasingly less patient with my oldest brother and older sister. They lie incessantly about things they have accomplished, always making themselves out to be the best. It frustrates me to hear them say things that are not true.
For example, while dining in a restaurant, my brother told a group of guys that he was a Top Gun instructor. In reality, he retired in the Air Force, NOT the Navy. My sister claims she paid 100% of her college expenses, even though my parents actually paid two or three years of her tuition, room and board.
My husband says I should let it go because I see them only a few weeks a year. I don’t want to spend time with them because of their ridiculous stories. What is the best response when they say things that are simply not true? — CRINGING IN COLORADO
DEAR CRINGING: A way to deal with this would be to take your siblings aside individually and ask privately why they feel the need to do this. Tell them it makes you uncomfortable when you hear them lie, and that they will be seeing even less of you if they continue doing it in your presence.
DEAR ABBY: I am 36 years old. When I was 30, I was engaged to a man who was 50. He was the only man I have ever been deeply in love with. He died unexpectedly from a heart attack, and I am still traumatized. I often relive that day in my mind. We were so deeply in love.