DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My father’s half-sister is what he’s always called “a piece of work,” just like her mother was. Whenever she visits there are sure to be family fights and more trouble, yelling, and drama than if she stayed safely away in her condo in Florida.
My mother warned me my aunt is thinking of coming for a visit, and since my house is halfway between her place and my parents’, she told my mother she plans on stopping in with us for a few days before heading on to invade them.
I really don’t like this woman, even though she’s my aunt. She is nasty and says whatever she wants and thinks it’s an okay thing to do. Last time she was here, my son, who was five at the time, hid in his room and never came near her, which she said was a huge insult. I thought it showed how smart my son is. He told us after she left he thought she was a “scary lady.”
My wife says we have to put her up for the few days, but I say we don’t have to put up with her and I even said we could spring for a hotel so she isn’t in our house, making us all miserable.
I see this as a real option, don’t you? --- UNHAPPY NEPHEW
DEAR UNHAPPY NEPHEW: In general terms I think a hotel is certainly an option to explore, especially if it’ll spare you some family drama.
However, not knowing your aunt or how she’s likely to respond to being diverted to a hotel, I’m not in a position to answer your question in this particular case, but you are.
One thing you and your wife need to keep strongly in mind is how your aunt’s being in your home will possibly affect your young son.
He’s older and perhaps more resourceful than he was during the last visit, but given his response then, he like you, appears to be far from a fan of your aunt and her antics.
Even though your son’s likely to encounter plenty of “scary” people in his lifetime, hopefully they won’t be spending too much time in his home.