DEAR ABBY: I have a problem with my mother-in-law. She does not communicate directly with me about family activities. Everything goes through my husband, who often does not tell me right away. He doesn't remember details, and sometimes he forgets completely.
There have been many times I have found out about something at the last minute. Once there was a family get-together, and when I arrived I found out that during this gathering the women had planned to give a baby shower for one of my husband's sisters. I was the only woman without a gift.
There have been countless other miscommunications and mishaps because of this. I've expressed my feelings to my husband and to my mother-in-law, to no avail. She continues to notify only my husband.
I have married brothers and I always discuss social plans with their wives, because my brothers are just like my husband.
This has been going on for many years, and I find myself resenting my mother-in-law more and more. Maybe if you print this, she will see it.
What can I do to change the situation? -- MOTHER-IN-LAW PROBLEMS
DEAR MOTHER-IN-LAW PROBLEMS: Since your mother-in-law ignores your requests, bypass her and develop a better level of communication with your sisters-in-law. Ask them to keep you posted so you have a chance to make appropriate preparations for upcoming events.