DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister is very indecisive. She does not understand that her behavior influences others’ lives. For example, she bailed on a family vacation after we had already paid for it, citing that she just doesn’t feel like it is the right decision anymore. How can I balance her indecisiveness without going insane? I can’t just exclude my sister from family gatherings. -- Choose One, Minneapolis
DEAR CHOOSE ONE: You can work on making your sister more accountable. If she didn’t pay for her share of the family vacation, tell her she will have to pay for it because the family was all in it together, and she will be creating a hardship on the rest of you by not taking care of her part.
In the future, continue to invite her to participate in activities, but give parameters. Require her to pay for her part. More important than her wallet is her heart. Appeal to her love of family. Remind her how much your family loves and wants to be with her. Explain that when she flakes, it hurts everyone’s feelings. Ask her to think about the rest of you before she bails on family activities.