Harriette Cole: Sister needs compassion, not cold shoulder

Dear Harriette: My sister is mad at me because I don’t call or see her as much as my brother, who lives only an hour away. He and I both have children; she doesn’t. And she’s far away in a different time zone. So, naturally, my brother and I talk more. Plus, she doesn’t call. She expects me to call her or she gets mad. Frankly, I’m sick of it. She’s acting like a baby, and I’m the one who has babies. How can I resolve this? I’m too old to deal with foolish jealousy. — Marianne, Bloomington, Ill.

Dear Marianne: Perhaps your sister is longing to be closer to you, your brother and your children. Her being childless only exacerbates the situation. Instead of staying angry, consider a dose of compassion. Start by sending her regular e-mails with updates on the kids, complete with photos when you can. Have your kids call once a week to check in. They will soften her attitude.

Ignore any ranting on her part. Decide to get along and not buy into the behavior you abhor.