DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m 27 years old, and I am the middle child of three girls. My sisters and I are extremely close, and we rarely ever argue. About two months ago, my baby sister got engaged to her college boyfriend. I’m trying to be happy for her, but I am struggling. I never would have thought that I would be getting married after my little sister. I know she didn’t do anything wrong, but I am so upset. I feel embarrassed that she is engaged before me, and I feel embarrassed that I am even mad about the situation in the first place!
I’m trying to set my negative feelings aside and just be happy for her. Do you think I should bite my tongue and be happy for her during this time? Or do you think I should tell her why I have been moody these past few months? -- Jealous Sister, Tucson, Arizona
DEAR JEALOUS SISTER: Even though you are young, you are feeling old because your baby sister is getting married. That is not an unusual feeling. The pressure to get to that next rite of passage is real, and it grows even more palpable when you have sibling dynamics at work as well.
So how should you handle these issues? Do not tell your sister how you are feeling. Instead, do your best to change your attitude. You need to step up and be happy for her. This is a magical time in her life, and I’m sure she wants to share it with you. Be happy for her. And trust that your turn will come.