DEAR ABBY: For the past six years, I've had a problem with my younger sister, "Robin." She "borrows" my clothes and other things from my room without asking, and then isn't smart enough to put them back. Every time I walk by Robin's room, I find another article of my clothing, shoes or jewelry on the floor. When I confront my sister in front of our parents, Mom rolls her eyes and says she's tired of my complaints. Then Dad will ask Robin point-blank if she "really did it," and she'll say, "Yes, but I was about to return it." That's it, end of story. It's happened too many times to count.
Last summer, I put a keyed lock on my door, which helped with the problem until the lock was mysteriously filled with "goop." It never worked after that. Just yesterday, I found an expensive dry-clean-only sweater of mine on Robin's floor. She had tossed it in the washer and dryer, and it was ruined. When I told Mom, she went out and bought me a new one, but just tonight I found one of my shirts on Robin's floor -– also ruined.
I'll be moving out in July to go to college, but until then, I need some advice. Please help me, Abby -- nobody else will. -- COUNTING THE MONTHS IN MASON CITY, IOWA
DEAR COUNTING THE MONTHS: Your parents have been negligent in their responsibility to your little sister. They have failed to teach her responsibility, honesty, and respect for the possessions and boundaries of others. This will come back to haunt them -– and your sister -– in the future. Please show them this column and hang on until July. Your trials are almost over.