Family Ties Strained by Alcoholism: Ask Amy's Advice on Reconnecting and Protecting Newborns

A gay man is upset with his conservative brother and sister-in-law for canceling plans and not making an effort to connect with him. He is unsure how to address the issue without hurting his brother's feelings. Advice columnist Amy suggests expressing his desire for a closer relationship and asking his brother to try harder. In another letter, a couple with newborn twins is concerned about the husband's alcoholic father's behavior around their children. Amy advises setting boundaries and stating that the father cannot be around the babies when he has been drinking.