DEAR ABBY: I am 13 and come from a big family. About a month ago, some relatives came to the United States and they're living with us for a while. They have two kids -- a girl a year older than I and a boy two years younger (I'll call him Joe).
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My dad is constantly pushing me to play with Joe and include him in everything I'm doing. Usually I'm OK with it, but sometimes I just want to be alone to think or read or spend time with friends my age.
Wherever I go, Joe follows me. He doesn't understand English very well, so it's hard to explain that I need time away from him. If I talk to my mom or dad about it, they call me selfish and say I should let Joe come with me. I like Joe, but I don't want him with me ALL the time! Am I being selfish? What should I do, Abby? -- WANT TO BE ALONE IN TENNESSEE
DEAR WANT TO BE ALONE: Look at it this way: Joe is a stranger in a country and culture that's new to him. He is surrounded by people with whom it's difficult to communicate. He must feel very uprooted and alone. Try to get him involved in activities -- like sports -- where language is not so important. That way, he will meet kids his own age and have a chance to excel. It will give you time to yourself, and he won't be so dependent upon you.