Tell your mother the truth: The rift between her and your sister hurts you, too, and it pains you that she won’t take responsibility for what she did. Tell your sister the truth: You see the pain that she’s in and, though you don’t have the same pain, you love her, and you want healing for her.

Letter writer worries about putting friends in “awkward position” because another friend invited herself on their trip.

I felt uncomfortable asking my other friends if she could join us, but they were very nice and said it was fine. It was OK. Now, my three friends and I are planning a trip in the spring and, when this friend heard us talking,