Dear Amy: I am very confused about a decision that will most likely cause hurt feelings between family members. My sister is gay (this isn't a problem - I also have a gay brother). She has been in an abusive off-and-on-again relationship with "Jean" for years.
At first they had a pretty good relationship, until alcohol entered the picture. Jean would become very abusive (verbally, mentally, physically and emotionally) when she drank too much. Their volatile relationship ended seven years ago. My sister endured a breakdown so severe that she spent nearly a week in a psychiatric ward.
My mother, myself and her friends supported her though this. My sister then moved on and had other partners in her life.
Two years ago she and Jean reunited. Since then, they have parted ways twice - the last time was so bad I feared that my sister would end up having another breakdown.
Now they are planning to get married. I love my sister and want her to be happy, but I cannot support a relationship that has been so emotionally draining. I do not wish to attend my sister's wedding, nor do most of my siblings (there are six others, and I am her only sister).
How can any of us support a relationship that has been so abusive and watch my sister marry someone who tells her she is ugly, good for nothing and will never amount to anything? - Concerned Sister in MN
Dear Concerned: You need to act on your own conscience, but this is tricky. Be aware that your refusal to attend your sister's wedding will have no impact on her choice but will alienate her from you.
For now you should not make any statements one way or the other (because of their pattern, you can expect another breakup).
If your sister forces the issue, you should speak only for yourself and tell her, "I want for you to be happy, but it breaks my heart to see you with someone who is so dangerous to you. I can't stand by and watch you marry 'Jean,' but I want you to know that I love you and will always be in your corner - in this case, from a distance."
Dear Amy: The letter from "Afraid for a Friend" sent shivers up my spine. Like the friend referred to in this letter, I was an abused and battered wife, locked into a terrifying marriage.
I escaped to a shelter and from there into a new life. I hope these women are able to support their friend through this. She will need it. - Survivor
Dear Survivor: I'm so happy you were able to build a new life for yourself. I hope this friend is able to do the same.
Send questions via email to Amy Dickinson at
askamy@tribune.com or by mail to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
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