Anonymous wrote:Is he an adult? Is he coming by himself or with a partner and/or any kids?
I’m petty, so I would respond “yes, I’m sure. Sorry about 2012, when Fred died. I know that was inconvenient for you.”
Anonymous wrote:At the very least, respond "what do you mean? Why do you ask?" Force him to actually verbalize, in his own words, that he is still upset that you cancelled due to a death in the family 12 years ago. Keep prodding. Get him to come to his own conclusions about himself. If that doesn't work, confront him more directly.
Anonymous wrote:Is he an adult? Is he coming by himself or with a partner and/or any kids?
I’m petty, so I would respond “yes, I’m sure. Sorry about 2012, when Fred died. I know that was inconvenient for you.”
Anonymous wrote:You don't need to make it worse. Just say yes, can't wait to see you!
Anonymous wrote:Say you can't be sure a close family member won't die again, but you are certain FIL won't. Tell your brother he will have to take that chance.
Anonymous wrote:And please don't be rude or petty. You don't know what he was dealing with back then or even now, OP. It's better to be kind.
Anonymous wrote:That year we had planned to have my family at our house. Within one hour of the call that FIL was dying (5 hours away) we rearranged plans and went to be with dh's family. He was gone two days later. We stayed to be what support we could be for MIL.
It turns out my brother is still mad that we "bailed" on them. He was invited this year and all he said was "Are you sure you'll be there?"
Would you even respond to this? My brother is very much a victim. Everything is worse/harder for him.
Anonymous wrote:Is he an adult? Is he coming by himself or with a partner and/or any kids?
I’m petty, so I would respond “yes, I’m sure. Sorry about 2012, when Fred died. I know that was inconvenient for you.”
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:And please don't be rude or petty. You don't know what he was dealing with back then or even now, OP. It's better to be kind.
He's still bemoaning what he went through 20+ years ago. It was awful, nobody died, and it's been 20+ years. He doesn't really move past anything.
I'm just annoyed.
You don't need to apologize or explain. The only people going around demanding "be kind or else" expect their loved ones to tolerate their bitterness and passive aggressiveness and personality disorders and want us to do the same. They want the world ordered in this way.
If you've never had or lost a family member to mental illness. Congrats! But, you really shouldn't walk around being an a**hole assuming everyone has a personality disorder and is passive aggressive and want the world ordered in that way. I feel sorry for your kids.