DEAR ABBY: I never thought I'd be writing to you, but a family problem has gotten out of hand and I need the help of an objective party.
My older brother, "Victor," who is 28, attempted suicide two years ago after a messy breakup with his wife, with whom he was still in love. He now regrets the act and realizes that they married too young (at 21).
Since suicide is a crime in our religion, my parents and my younger sister, "Sarah" (who is still in college), refuse to speak to Victor.
In a few months, I plan to marry a wonderful man. We had planned to include both Victor and Sarah in the wedding party. However, each has said he/she will not attend if the other does.
My parents predict that my marriage will end as Victor's did if I allow him to come. Victor says our parents will disown me, too, sooner or later, so it may as well be sooner. My husband-to-be just rolls his eyes.
Whom should I choose, Sarah or Victor? -- DISTRAUGHT MIDDLE CHILD
DEAR DISTRAUGHT: It is your right to invite whomever you want to your wedding; furthermore, it's unfair to be put on the spot as you have been.
Anyone who says, "If you invite so-and-so, I'm not coming," deserves to be excluded. I would exclude BOTH of them.