DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister gained’t reply my calls or name me again, and I do not know what I did unsuitable.
She has by no means been nice at speaking, however now she has gone radio silent.
At first, I assumed she was simply busy, however it’s been some time now, and I’m beginning to fear that one thing is actually unsuitable between us. I’ve tried texting her, leaving voicemails and even reaching out by way of social media, however I haven’t gotten any response.
Sadly, she lives throughout the nation from me, so I can’t simply go to her home.
I’ve known as my mother and father to see if she’s been in touch with them, and so they say that she has.
I don’t wish to push too arduous and make issues worse, however on the identical time, I don’t wish to sit again and let our relationship fade.
Ought to I give her area and watch for her to return round, or ought to I attempt to resolve what’s occurring? I like my sister and don’t wish to lose our connection, however I’m undecided what to do subsequent.
— Sibling Chasm
DEAR SIBLING CHASM: Clearly, your sister doesn’t wish to speak to you. No matter her causes are, you aren’t going to seek out out proper now. You don’t have any selection however to attend.
You possibly can write her a letter telling her that you just miss her and are involved that she has reduce off communication with you. Apologize for something that you could have stated or carried out that triggered her to disengage from you. Ask her to succeed in out when she is prepared.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m a basketball coach, and I’ve two gamers on my workforce who simply can’t appear to get alongside.
It doesn’t matter what I do, they’re continuously bickering, and it’s beginning to have an effect on not simply their efficiency however your entire workforce’s dynamic.
I’ve already tried sitting them down to speak issues out, hoping they might discover frequent floor, however I haven’t seen a lot of a distinction. They’re each proficient gamers, and I do know they care concerning the sport, however their lack of ability to work collectively is changing into an actual downside.
I don’t need this pressure to carry down the morale of the remainder of the workforce, however I additionally don’t wish to decide sides or deal with this unfairly.
What’s one of the simplest ways to encourage teamwork and resolve conflicts between gamers who simply don’t see eye to eye? Ought to I contain their mother and father, or would that simply make issues worse?
— At Odds
DEAR AT ODDS: When you have a deep sufficient bench that you are able to do with out these gamers for a bit, exchange them with others and inform them that they can not come again until they work out how you can behave higher.
Sure, do communicate to their mother and father to tell them of the dangerous conduct and to ask if something is happening of their youngsters’ lives that might result in the agitation that you’re witnessing. Ask the mother and father to assist their youngsters by speaking to them and serving to to get to the rationale for this conduct. You possibly can work with the varsity’s steering counselor on an intervention as effectively.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founding father of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to assist individuals entry and activate their goals. You possibly can ship inquiries to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
