Dear Amy: My dear brother died four years ago, leaving his daughter “Patsy” as his sole heir.
I recently turned 70, and though in good health, have begun to consider the inevitable. I have no children, nor does my sister. I have tried to engage Patsy on Facebook, where she is a prolific presence. I know an awful lot about her job, her kids and her politics! As the nation’s political life has gotten super-intense, I have tried to counter some of her most extreme claims. I research my facts, use calm and respectful language, am quick to admit a mistake, and avoid escalation.
The responses I get are reactive, emotional, insulting and IN ALL CAPS! Her fiance is patronizing, dismissive and foul-mouthed. I will no longer follow them on social media.
Here’s the dilemma: my husband and I have a substantial estate. We worked for every penny of it. Right now, Patsy is set to inherit a big chunk of it, and I know she could use it. If I cut her out, the money goes to charities and my husband’s many nieces and nephews, all of whom are very nice to me.
She may be counting on an inheritance. Am I being petty?
— Auntie
Dear Auntie: There is no good reason to discuss your plans with Patsy. Given her pugnacious attitude toward you, she would be a fool to expect much.
Holding an inheritance over a relative’s head made for compelling characters in Dickens’ novels, but there is absolutely nothing to be gained — for anyone — in behaving this way. Patsy either hasn’t made the connection between her behavior and your money or she has made the connection and doesn’t care, so you’re off the hook.
Dear Amy: I’m 20 years old, and I work in a job where the median age is 30.
The closest person to my age is still five years older than me.
I feel like they never let me forget that I am so young, and despite my qualifications, sometimes they treat me as if I don’t know anything.
This has been something I’ve been dealing with pretty much my whole life, as I started school early, but I still don’t know how to handle it.
I don’t see my co-workers as old, but I’m struggling to fit in when I can barely say anything without being reminded of my age. What should I do?
Too Young to Understand
Dear Too Young: Hang in. This is the downside of being precocious. I call it the “Doogie Howser Syndrome” (look it up).
You have your job for a reason. Your expertise is valuable, otherwise you wouldn’t be there. You might devise a comeback that works for you: “Wait a minute. I think I left my sippy cup in my lunch box…” — but mainly I hope that you will start to see your youth as a valuable asset — because it is.
Dear Amy: In your answer to “Not Born in the USA,” I could not believe that you would recommend watching a violent, horrible movie like “Goodfellas” to someone wanting to learn more about America! I was so disappointed in your choices.
Upset
Dear Upset: The way I see it, “Goodfellas” is as American as Dolly Parton. I was happy to include both.
