DEAR ABBY: I am an eighth-grade boy with a sixth-grade brother. He is a nice kid and we get along really great. The problem is, while I am good at all activities from school to sports to games, my brother struggles at everything. I believe he is as bright as most kids, but he knows he has to work harder than I do.
He is very competitive, especially at board games. I can beat him whenever I want to, but occasionally I'll let him win. The trouble is, he makes such a big deal when he "beats" me. He becomes obnoxious and won't stop bragging, and it drives me crazy. I don't want to break my brother's spirit, but on the other hand, I don't want to give him a false sense of his abilities. How do I handle this? -- BIG BROTHER
DEAR BIG BROTHER: You seem to be a very nice young man. Please re-read the third sentence of your letter. Then, for a moment, put yourself in your brother's shoes. You are older, better at sports and learn more easily. Imagine how that must make him feel. When he has an occasional victory, you shouldn't be resentful if he decides to crow about it. To him it's a very big deal. It may make it easier for you to tolerate if you remember that and keep your sense of humor, because this, too, will pass.