Dear Queenie,
Very often when I invite my husband’s brother over for dinner he will show up with a date without telling me in advance. That’s no problem when we’re having barbecue, but when it’s a sit-down meal I won’t have set a place for the extra person and it’s embarrassing and sometimes there’s not quite enough food to go around, especially if we’re having fancy desserts.
When I spoke to my brother-in-law and asked him to let me know in advance if he wants to bring someone else with him he got mad and now he won’t talk to me unless I apologize.
Queenie, should I?—Angry Hostess
Dear Hostess,
You do not owe your brother-in-law an apology. You have done nothing wrong and he has been extremely rude. However, for the sake of keeping peace in the family you can tell him you are sorry if you have offended him.
Meanwhile, ask your husband to speak to his brother on your behalf and tell him that if he is going to bring an extra guest he should let you know as far in advance as possible, even if it is just a few minutes, so you can prepare accordingly.
