Annie’s Mailbox: Invite family to shower for daughter-in-law

Dear Annie: My sister’s daughter-in-law is pregnant with her first child, and my sister is in a dilemma about whether or not to host a baby shower. Her son and daughter-in-law never come to any family functions, and his wife has never attended any family bridal and baby shower. I seriously doubt that any family members would recognize her if they passed her on the street.

Is it tacky to have a baby shower and invite family members who really don’t know her? – Baby Shower Dilemma

Dear Dilemma: Technically, showers should not be given by immediate family members (e.g., grandma-to-be). Nonetheless, we know many people do this anyway. A shower is about providing for the child. Your sister wants to do something nice for her daughter-in-law and ensure a good relationship with the new grandchild. It’s OK to invite family members, and those who don’t wish to attend (for any reason) can RSVP that they won’t be there.

Dear Annie: “Concerned Reader” wrote in response to the letter from “Need Help,” the teenager with mood swings, painful headaches and weakness. “Concerned” suggested testing for Lyme disease. I’d like to add to that excellent suggestion that if the regular test is inconclusive, it is important to get a Western Blot Test that is more thorough. I know because it saved a friend from being misdiagnosed. – Concerned Reader