Dear Queenie,

Now that our parents have died us kids are going to sell the family home because we all have our own homes by now. The problem is, what do we do with all the stuff in our parents’ home that we hate to dispose of because it all has sentimental value for us?

Queenie, do you have any suggestions?—Hung up on the past

Dear Hung up,

You could put it all in storage and let it pile up dust and storage bills.

Or you could hold a yard sale and get whatever you can for it.

Or you could donate it to a worthy organisation like the Red Cross or the Salvation Army for the benefit of the needy, in your parents’ honour.

And, to hang on to your memories, before emptying out the old homestead, take lots of photos of all the stuff in its original place, with copies for everyone who wants them. That way, memories are preserved with no arguments about who gets what, no clutter to worry about and no exorbitant storage bills.

Dear Queenie,

I’m getting married next year and after we set the date and started making plans my cousin asked me to change the date so she could be there because she has something else going on on the date we chose. When I told her that was out of the question she got vexed and we had an argument, so I have decided just not to invite her at all.

Now other relatives are saying I’m being selfish and rude and if she isn’t invited they won’t come either.

Queenie, was I wrong or was she?—Bride-to-be

Dear Bride-to-be,

You were both wrong. Your cousin made a totally unreasonable request and should not have gotten vexed when you refused – or were unable – to comply.

However, that is not sufficient reason to dis-invite her to your wedding. Take the high road – send her an invitation and let her know you hope she will be able to attend, but if not, you will understand and hope to see her soon on another occasion.

Dear Queenie,

My husband is controlling and emotionally abusive and I am going to divorce him.

My problem is that he is very good at putting on a good face in public and everyone thinks what a wonderful husband he is. Little do they know! If I keep quiet about the reasons for the divorce everyone will blame me for leaving such a wonderful husband. If I talk about it openly people will think I am lying about him.

Queenie, how do I make them believe me?—Soon-to-be ex-wife

Dear Wife,

Do you have any close women friends whom you can count on to believe you? If so, tell them in detail about your problems with your husband – preferably the ones with the greatest tendency to gossip. The news will spread and, believe me, more people than you would think will believe it.

Dear Queenie,

My brother disapproves of my summer vacation clothes – mostly tank tops and shorts. He says they are too revealing and boys will think I am slutty.

Queenie, should I listen to him or is he just being overprotective?—Little sister

Dear Sister,

Ask your mother for her opinion and let her judgement prevail.