DEAR ABBY: I recently realized that my sister-in-law has been kissing my boyfriend on the mouth every time she greets him. We all live in the same town and get together for dinners and events often. I love my SIL and don’t believe she would ever do anything to hurt me or my brother. Our families and my mom are all close.
This all came to light after a recent dinner where my brother noticed this kiss (and a cheek rub) and questioned her. My boyfriend told me about it and doesn’t think it’s a big deal. He says it would be rude to present his cheek instead. I told him I’m not comfortable with this, and that it wouldn’t be rude to implement a boundary.
I’m trying not to make this into a major issue, but I’m angry at both my SIL and my boyfriend for not telling me about this sooner. I feel betrayed, and now I’m feeling suspicious. I have toyed with asking her to stop, but it seems kind of juvenile and insecure to mention it to her. Please give me your honest, unbiased take. — TAKEN ABACK IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR TAKEN ABACK: Because this bothers you so much that you would write to me about it, say something about it to your sister-in-law. Tell her it may be innocent, but the idea of anyone other than you kissing your boyfriend on the mouth makes you uncomfortable, which is why you are asking her to stop. Your feelings are your feelings, and you needn’t apologize for them.
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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
