by DEAR ABBY: I have a close friend who is like a brother to me. He has no family, and we are his only friends who don’t live across the country. During holidays, my friend is always alone. My family does not welcome him to holiday dinners, so I’m always torn. I want him to celebrate with us and don’t want to leave him sitting alone at my house awaiting our return. Would I be wrong to spend the holidays with him instead of with my family, which has lots of people? — TORN HEART IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR TORN HEART: I wish you had mentioned WHY your family is unwilling to include your friend in some of those celebrations. Whatever their reason, because leaving your friend alone dampens your enjoyment, consider alternating the holidays instead of skipping all the ones your family hosts.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
