A comment from my sister-in-law at a family BBQ in Cincinnati

We were at my brother's place last July, and his wife, Karen, asked me point-blank if I ever regretted 'giving my baby away.' She said it in front of everyone while we were flipping burgers. I told her I placed my son for adoption 8 years ago, and it was a choice, not a 'giving away.' The room got quiet, and I just walked inside. Has anyone else had a family member completely miss the point like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

pat_perry17d ago

July 4th cookouts and Karen dropping that bomb, that's rough. I get why you're upset, but I don't think "shut up" is the best approach either. A calm "we're good, let's not do this here" might save you a bigger headache with your brother later.

mark_nguyen952mo ago

Tell Karen to mind her own business next time.

the_hugo2mo ago

I used to agree with that, honestly. But I saw how a simple "thanks, I've got it" can shut things down without making it a whole fight. It just keeps the peace better.