DEAR ABBY: My sister-in-law writes family newsletters that she sends to all her siblings and their spouses. All of the names of the sisters-in-law are listed at the top of the letters except for my name -- which is conspicuously absent.
If my husband and I were newlyweds, I'd assume that this lack of courtesy was an innocent oversight. However, we're rapidly approaching our 25th wedding anniversary, and we have been married longer than any of the other siblings.
When I complain to my husband, he says I'm making too much out of it. Should he say something to his sister on my behalf, or should we both continue pretending not to notice? For the record, my sister-in-law and I have always been friendly to each other.
Please, Abby, don't reveal my name or location. I don't want to create any friction in the family or be embarrassed any further. -- HURT IN THE U.S.A.
DEAR HURT: I can't help but wonder why it has taken you nearly a quarter of a century to ask this question. Your husband should have dealt with this matter years ago. However, because he has not, my advice to you is to pick up the phone and humorously ask your sister-in-law if she's finally ready to "accept you into the family." And when she asks why you're asking that question -- point out her omission.