Sis-in-law really not that bad

Dear Carolyn: My husband’s sister makes me crazy. First she named her son after my husband, meaning the name is “taken” and we can not use it if we have a son. Now, she has gone and bought her daughter a puppy for Christmas, of the same breed we’ve been talking about getting for years once our beloved dog passes. I know these things are not a big deal, but I can’t help but feel like she keeps trying to beat us to the punch! Do I say anything to her or just remain silently frustrated? – D.C.

I’m going for (C) Get a hold of yourself.

A woman named her child after her brother? That’s not only common and perfectly acceptable, but also really kind of sweet. And if you want to use that name for your kid, then, have at it. They’d hardly be the first pair of cousins with the same family name.

I don’t even know what to do with the dog-breed thing. Laugh? Cry? Laugh harder?

You’re certainly free to dislike your sister-in-law, or find her annoying, or feel a little frustrated that your life won’t score any originality points. And if you can come up with a half-dozen more (and more credible) examples that support your notion that she’s somehow bent on scooping you, then I’ll humbly and apologetically reconsider.

But from here, it looks like you’re taking a routine dislike of someone, and blaming her for it. You’re taking her life personally. I can’t help but think that if you liked her, you’d have been touched by the name, and eager to take credit for the dog.

Scratch yourself from the race, please, because there is no race. Reducing your extended family life to one says little about her, and quite a lot about you.