Dear Eric: We have two adult sons, one married, one not. They have never sent us a Christmas gift over the past 15 years, and they both live far away. Daughter-in-law acts as if we don’t exist. Can we feel OK about not sending them a gift?

—Parents That Aren’t Acknowledged

Dear Parents: Yes. Gifts aren’t going to get you any closer to resolving what’s going on with your sons. I’d forgo gift-giving and try to have an open, honest conversation about your relationship.

Dear Eric: My 60-year-old son and his 89-year-old father (my ex) had a horrible verbal blow-up 10 months ago. They are both very strong-willed, and neither will talk or apologize. I have talked with both of them to no avail. Is there any chance this standoff can be resolved?

—Caught in the Middle

Dear Middle: There is a ch

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