DEAR HARRIETTE: I am very close to my sister, and I am also very close to my sister’s child. We talk a lot, and it’s wonderful for both of us. My sister used to think it was good, but now I don’t know. When I mention things that we discuss, my sister seems to get a little peeved. But if I don’t mention highlights of our chats, I worry that my sister thinks that I am withholding information. How can I smooth out this situation so that everybody is comfortable? -- Friends Across Generations
DEAR FRIENDS ACROSS GENERATIONS: Check back in with your sister to reassure her of how grateful you are for the close relationship the two of you have and the one that you have with your niece. Celebrate your sister for all she is doing to ensure that her daughter has a great life. Let her know that you consider it a privilege to be close to both of them, and that you hope she feels the same.
Do not feel that you have to share the blow-by-blow of every conversation you have with your niece. Stay attentive and share when necessary.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)