DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are going to Italy next year and taking our two sons, 8 and 12. We have saved for this trip for years.
When my sister-in-law heard about it, she invited herself along, with her husband and two children who are my sons' ages. Although I love all of them, I don't want to spend my vacation of a lifetime with her. She often pawns her children off on others while she does her own thing.
How do I approach this without hurting feelings? I'd rather not go on the trip than go with her. Help!
— Bound for Italy
DEAR BOUND: You may be "bound," but were you also gagged when your sister-in-law invited herself and her family along? That's when you should have had the gumption to say no.
The longer you put off telling her, the harder it will be, so tell her NOW. You have every right to go on your dream trip the way you and your husband planned it. His sister can schedule her family's visit to Italy another time.
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have told people that we didn't plan to have children. But recently we realized that we had simply not been ready until now.
We have decided to try for a baby in the near future. If we are lucky enough to conceive, how will we respond to the inevitable barrage of questions about whether or not the baby was planned?
— Taking it Back in New York
DEAR TAKING IT BACK: Just say you changed your mind and the baby is a welcome blessing. n
