Politics
I hate the idea of a big family party but I don’t want to let my parents down
DEAR DEIDRE: MY brother and sister-in-law have invited the world and his wife to their house-warming party next week and I’m dreading it.
I have spent most of the past year shielding and only agreed to go because originally they said it would be a small barbecue for me and my parents (who have always been in a bubble).
I found out they have also invited my other sister and her family of five
I’m a 36-year-old man and my brother is 34.
But last night I found out they have also invited my other sister and her family of five, as well three other cousins.
For more advice from Dear Deidre
No issue is too small, too large or too embarrassing. Read our personal replies here.
I would have dropped out but Mum and Dad are dependent on me going because neither of them drive and my brother has moved to the back of beyond – it’s over an hour’s drive away.
I’m scared of going but also don’t want to let my parents down. They haven’t seen much of anyone this year.
DEIDRE SAYS: I’m sure your parents would not want you to do anything that would unnecessarily risk your or their health.
Can you ask your brother and sister-in-law if you could come before everyone else or, better still, on a different date?
NEXT IN TODAY’S DEAR DEIDRE My boyfriend’s brother has a crush on me – and I think I feel the same
READ DEIDRE’S NEW PHOTO CASEBOOK Jane works up the courage to ditch her boyfriend Ryan
