Dear Dr. Two Times: Scumbag sister hates that her siblings wish her Happy Birthday
The Dear Abby Column and advice columns in general have dropped the ball for far too long. The time has come for Dr. Two Times to take control of the madness
I think advice columns are a waste of time. What an advice column is essentially is one person with a whole lot of problems, asking another person, who is a complete stranger by the way, who also has a whole lot of problems, advice on how to solve their problems. Seek advice from those close to you. Build a close circle of individuals you can seek advice from. Whether it be friends or family, build a small intimate circle that you can tell things to. Dont seek advice from some charlatan that will lead you astray.
But since there are many who still write in to these fakes, allow me to give some actual solid advice.
Today’s question comes from the Dear Abby column from Jan. 16, 2025.
DEAR ABBY Dr. Two Times: My siblings and I are estranged. I live in a different state. My brother and I never got along and stopped speaking many years ago. My older sister and I, after a long, toxic relationship, finally had a blowout after Dad passed. We haven't spoken since. My younger sister took my older sister's side and doesn't speak to me either.
I have communicated briefly via text and email with all my siblings regarding my parents' trust and final matters. My sisters still insist on texting me birthday wishes. Because of this, I feel obligated to send them a birthday text as well. I stress out weeks before their birthdays because of it.
I felt peaceful after becoming estranged from my older sister. I have many feelings of resentment toward all my siblings for having taken advantage of my parents, especially this older sister. She lived with them rent-free for many years. She refused to get a job and wouldn't help out -- not even to clean their room when they were elderly. Doesn't estrangement include birthdays as well? Why do I feel this way? -- ESTRANGED 364 DAYS IN ARIZONA
Dear Dirtbag Sibling From Arizona
You only have one set of siblings. One day they’ll be gone. People die. You cant get back time.
How about the next time they text you “happy birthday,” you try to be a decent human being and reply “thank you” or something along those lines.
How about trying to reconcile with them, instead of feeling sorry for yourself.
You will regret not at least making an attempt to reconcile with them.
Do it before it’s too late.