Annie’s Mailbox: Family giving new couple cold shoulder

Dear Annie: Seven months ago, I married “Jake.” Since that day, his family has refused to communicate with us. They claim my bridesmaids were “out to get them” and told Jake that I “talk too much about my travels.” Why would they lie about such things? We’ve attempted to work it out, but they refuse our calls. We’ve given up and are waiting for them to contact us.

We recently found out that Jake’s sister had a baby girl. I am thrilled to be an aunt, but they won’t let me see the baby. Last week, we received an email from Jake’s brother, accusing my husband of “trading families.” Since when does spending time with your in-laws count as trading families?

My family loves my husband, and since we live in the same town, we see one another frequently. My in-laws live three hours away. We used to see them once a month. His brother said they are no longer brothers and wished him good luck on the rest of his life. We responded that we’re more than willing to work things out, but it’s impossible if no one is truthful and no one talks to us.

I’ve never seen adults act this way. I want our future children to know their father’s family, but I don’t want them subjected to such strange, negative people. I’d rather show them photographs and let them hear good stories.

The last time we spoke to them was seven months ago. Are we right to wait it out? Should we try talking to them again, or just write it off as a horrible loss? – Lost Newlyweds

Dear Newlyweds: We don’t know what soured this relationship at the wedding, but there is little hope for reconciliation if the in-laws won’t speak to you. Jake should try contacting his parents and siblings individually and ask if they would be willing to join the two of you for family counseling to work this out. If they refuse, sorry to say, there’s not much else you can do.