Dear Abby: I can now not spend time with my spoiled and rich sister

DEAR ABBY: For the previous three years, my household has had reunions with my older half-sister, “Sybil.” We didn’t develop up collectively, and we’ve got very totally different life. I grew up with little cash and quite a few hardships; Sybil grew up having each want and wish met. She’s profitable and rich.

I’m pleased with her and all the pieces she has completed, however she is troublesome to be round. Sybil is materialistic and talks consistently about all the pieces she has. She’s class-conscious and uncomfortable in “low-class” environments, like inexpensive eating places and shops. It actually makes me in poor health.

I can now not spend time with Sybil, which is why I gained’t be capable to present up for household reunions the best way I did earlier than. How do I let Sybil know I can’t do something greater than seize a chew to eat or have a cup of espresso to catch up? I don’t need to harm or offend her. How can I clarify why I can now not spend time along with her? — INCOMPATIBLE IN MONTANA

DEAR INCOMPATIBLE: How about telling Sybil that you’re busy and gained’t be coming to the entire gatherings that you simply used to attend, however you’d like to meet up with her for a cup of espresso when they’re over or at a later date? You would not have to provide her or every other relative a extra detailed rationalization than that.

DEAR ABBY: We dwell on a avenue with storage entry through a industrial alley. My neighbor makes use of his storage to retailer a collector’s car together with bicycles and different boxed gadgets. Every few months, he removes the automotive to scrub his storage. He doesn’t sweep; he blows the trash from the storage into the center of the alley right into a pile. Then he returns the automotive and different gadgets, closes the storage door and leaves his trash within the alley.

Last week, the trash pile was 20 ft lengthy, 3 ft vast and three inches excessive. The wind and automobiles that drive over the pile scatter the particles into neighbors’ tons, industrial property parking areas, and so on. On a number of events, I’ve spoken to him properly, as produce other neighbors, about sweeping up the pile and placing it into the trash receptacle, which is inside 5 ft of the pile(s). The particles in the end enters storm drains and the adjoining river, which pollutes our shoreline and atmosphere.

This man at all times responds with “good to know” and “will do so next time,” however the conduct hasn’t modified in 10 years. He’s a well-educated highschool trainer at a prestigious faculty, so we’re baffled about why he continues to trash the neighborhood together with his mess. Any recommendation on what might be performed? — EXASPERATED IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR EXASPERATED: I believe 10 years is lengthy sufficient to attend to your neighbor to indicate some consideration, don’t you? Pick up the telephone and phone your metropolis’s code enforcement bureau and report the handle the place that is taking place. The bureau may help by sending an inspector to the property to evaluate and take images. A case will probably be created if the property proprietor doesn’t adjust to the town’s rules.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, often known as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.