Dear Queenie,

  My parents think my sister is going to graduate school in another country, but I just found out she actually quit school after just one semester and is working at a fairly good job. I just wonder what our parents will say if they find out the truth.

  Queenie, should I tell them?—Worried brother

Dear Brother,

  This is your sister’s secret to keep and it is not up to you to tell your parents the truth. I suggest you try to convince her to tell them the truth before they find out for themselves. They surely will find out eventually and it would be better all around if your sister were honest with them before that time comes.

Dear Queenie,

  My wife’s sister never calls us just to talk, but she is always calling us to ask for money to help with her bills or her kids’ school expenses. We told her to ask the kids’ father for help with their school expenses but she won’t do it.

  Queenie, should we go on helping her?—Fed-up uncle

Dear Uncle,

  Fathers have a legal obligation to support their children. The next time your sister-in-law asks for financial help, offer to introduce her to an attorney who will help her get the assistance to which she is entitled.

Dear Queenie,

  I’ve been married for almost 50 years and my wife and I are friends with another couple who got married about the same time we did. We even celebrate our anniversaries together.

  My wife told me recently that that other man tried to hit on her. Of course she turned him down, but she said he kept trying.

  I faced him down and told him he disrespected my wife and his wife too. He didn’t deny what he did, but he didn’t say anything about not doing it again. I can’t blame him very much because of what his wife has gotten to be like, but for me our friendship is over. However, my wife is still friends with both of them.

  Queenie, what do you say to all this?—Angry husband

Dear Husband,

  No matter what his wife is like, a man has no right to “hit on” another woman, especially the wife of someone who is supposed to be his friend. However, considering how old he must be (married for almost 50 years), he could be starting to suffer from dementia, which can include changes in behaviour and personality. You might want to suggest to his wife that she take him to his doctor for a complete check-up – and she should be sure to mention his changes in behaviour.

  As long as your wife has no “romantic” interest in him, I guess it is okay for her (and you, if you want to) to still be friends with his wife.

Dear Queenie,

  I’m pregnant and my doctor told me to stop drinking alcohol because it’s bad for the baby. However, my husband still drinks like he always did and it makes me jealous to see him having fun while I can’t.

  Queenie, can I ask him to stop drinking until the baby comes?—Expectant mother on the wagon

Dear Expectant mother,

  If you think you cannot have fun without drinking alcohol, you may have a problem that could get worse. Ask your husband to stop drinking until the baby comes. If he cannot do so, he may also have the same problem. Ask your obstetrician for advice, and you (both) might also want to consult Alcoholics Anonymous.