Dear Queenie,
My daughter’s boyfriend always calls me “Bro” even though I have told him my first name and asked him to use it. He just says he calls everyone “Bro” and no one else has a problem with it.
Queenie, am I just being old-fashioned?—Offended

Dear Offended,
Unless your daughter and her boyfriend have a very close relationship, I have to wonder why he does not call you “Mr. Whatever-your-name-is.”
That being said, I also wonder whether this young man is too rude to use your name as requested or just too stupid to remember it. Either way, it does not speak well for the way he will treat your daughter in the future. Meanwhile, put up with him for your daughter’s sake.

Dear Queenie,
My sister married a man I used to date in high school when we were both kids. Now, whenever we all get together, he likes to talk about the good old days when we were in high school, including mentioning the fact that we used to go out together.
It was no big thing then and there is nothing between us now, but he keeps talking about it and it makes me uncomfortable, as if he thinks there might be, which there wouldn’t.
Queenie, how do I get him to stop?—Not interested

Dear Not interested,
When he starts talking about the past, interrupt him and tell him he is just being boring. Then, take him aside and tell him what you have told me: that he is making you uncomfortable and if he has any ideas of that sort he can just forget them. Repeat emphatically, as necessary.

Dear Queenie,
My wife’s parents only speak Spanish and whenever they visit us she talks to them only in Spanish, which I do not understand at all. Our children speak Spanish and English, so they aren’t left out of the conversation.
Queenie, isn’t this rude? Shouldn’t they at least try to learn some English?—Speechless in Spanish

Dear Speechless,
Of course, it is rude, but if your in-laws do not understand English it would be just as rude to speak English and leave them out of the conversation. Ask one of your children to translate for you (both ways) when this happens. And why not at least try to learn a little Spanish? It could be very rewarding.

Dear Queenie,
I am pregnant and my baby is due on or around the date my brother is getting married. His fiancée is furious about this because I may not be able to attend the ceremony at the last minute or, if I do, I might go into labor right then and there and take all the attention away from her.
Queenie, what’s the best thing to do – stay away or take a chance and go?—Pregnant sister

Dear Sister,
I hesitate to give advice in this matter, because whatever I say, your baby may take matters into his or her own hands.
First, consult your obstetrician for an answer to your question. Then tell your future sister-in-law, “My doctor says ... .” Or, if the doctor’s advice is not indisputable, put the question to her and abide by her decision (I will bet she tells you to plan on staying away).
And congratulations on your upcoming blessed event!