Annie’s Mailbox: Never allowed to forget teen years

Dear Annie: My sister “Rose” and I are as different as night and day. She also is 17 years older than I am.

I am now in my late 40s, and although Rose and I get along, there is one thing that causes me grief. Every time we speak, she feels the need to remind me of what a spoiled brat I was when I was a teenager. She’s right. But I’m not that way any longer. She makes it clear that she still is not OK with this, so I’ve apologized for my teenaged self. Repeatedly. It hurts to know that she can’t let it go.

I truly love my sister. My question is, should I confront Rose? If not, how do I deal with the continued belittling? – Little Sister in California

Dear Sister: It might help to talk to Rose. Remind her that you are no longer a spoiled brat, and ask why she is having such a hard time forgiving your teenaged self. Perhaps there is a reason she keeps bringing it up. If she cannot recognize her obsessive behavior or stop it, the best you can do is say, “Yes, Rose,” and then change the subject.

Dear Annie: Here’s my two cents about dogs’ names. While visiting my daughter, her 4-year-old neighbor asked me, “What is your name?” When I replied, “Lucy,” he said, “My friend has a dog named Lucy.”

Unless you make up an original name for your pet, someone will have the same name. I discovered that Lucy is among the top names for dogs. I still laugh about it. Lighten up, people. – Lucy in Shreveport, La.