DEAR ABBY: My sister and her husband and children have completely severed their relationship with our brother because of his new wife's gift-giving practices.
On my teen-age niece's last two birthdays, our brother's wife has given her a "gift" of used clothing still reeking of our sister-in-law's perfume. My sister and her daughter were very hurt by these tacky gifts.
Our brother and his wife shop for themselves in thrift shops. They don't have to shop there, but they choose to. However, neither my sister's family nor myself is comfortable doing so.
Abby, I'm usually the family peacekeeper, but I'm open to any suggestions. Should I say something, or should I keep my mouth shut and let them resolve this? -- IN THE MIDDLE IN TUCSON
DEAR IN THE MIDDLE: It's unfair for your sister to cut your brother out of her life without explaining why. Encourage her to explain politely, but truthfully, why they have stopped speaking -- but after that, you should stay out of it.