DEAR ABBY: I am a 16-year-old girl with a problem. A week ago, a half-sister I had never met, and whom my dad hadn't seen in 16 years, suddenly showed up at our home. I was happy at first, but later my sister and I realized that our father paid more attention to her in one hour than he had to us in all the time since we were born.
My sister and I have tried to be a part of his life, but he has never wanted to spend time with us. He tells us we are both being selfish. If what he says is true, do we have the right to be upset? Please help. -- CONFUSED TEEN IN TEXAS
DEAR CONFUSED: Since your father hadn't seen your half-sister in 16 years, his reaction to her was understandable. Before you allow your resentment to get the better of you, allow yourself to get to know the girl. It's possible his reaction had something to do with guilt rather than preference. Take it slowly, and you might find you and your half-sister have a lot in common.
P.S. Although you say your father has been emotionally unavailable to you, he has been physically AND emotionally unavailable to her all these years. Count your blessings.