Sometimes I think that people forget that some people refuse to deal with situations that are hard for them until forced to. A step mother wrote you about her rude stepdaughter and how they where treated when she, her husband and handicapped child went over there to bring some gifts. I do not agree with your advice Prudie. I am sorry but one why would the step mother even put her son in that position knowing how that daughter felt? An, in this country we are taught that the daughter must be nice to people that right now she feels no reason in her life she should be, and has the right to her feelings. The only choices the father and step-parent have is either together deside not to go around this child while she feels this way, or for the step mother to sit back and give the daughter and father time to work it out but stay away and that way not be hurt by a grown-up that has made it clear she doesn't want her or her children around and again, "She has that right." Just as the parents have the right to deal with it in a manor the daughter may not like herself. But, at this point a confrontation would only cause more anger, finger pointing and hositility it certainly would not put them together close as a family.

Sincerely,

Sorry but she is a grown up too.