DEAR ABBY: I text my older sister often. Last month, I sent her a long message consisting of information and chitchat. To my surprise, it was not answered by her, but by her daughter (who I am not fond of). My message was not meant for her daughter, and although the information it contained was not critical or embarrassing, I am offended that my text was intercepted (and answered) by someone other than the intended recipient.
Am I wrong here? The entire situation has now been blown way out of proportion and we are no longer speaking. Please advise.
—Private Brother in Florida
Dear Brother: I find it odd that your niece would answer her mother’s text unless she was asked to do it. Did your sister take offense because she felt her daughter needed defending? Your next step should be to get your sister on the phone so you can talk this through. Apologize if you “may have overreacted,” but consider what happened to be a warning that when you text, email or call your sister, it won’t necessarily be kept between the two of you. Private communications may have to be face-to-face.
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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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