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Dear Savvy Auntie,

I am overweight and always have been, even as a little girl. Anyway, a few weeks ago, I went with my younger sister and her 12 year old daughter, my niece, to a fast-food restaurant. My niece is a skinny-minnie, but in the middle of a conversation, my sister says to her: “Quit eating those fries or you’ll end up like Auntie Pam!” I was shocked and got up and stormed out. That was three weeks ago and we haven’t spoken since. I’m still hurt, but I miss my niece. What can I do?

Auntie Pam

Dear Auntie Pam,

How hurtful! Can you ask your sister for an apology and then accept it?  In the meantime you could write your niece a short note telling her how much you love her and want your relationship to stay strong while you and her mother work out your problem. She is old enough to have contact with you separate from her mother.  It is so sad that weight is such an issue in our society and that it could come between you and someone young and impressionable, if you take your sister’s comment too personally. In the interest of being a good role model for your niece try, try ,try to rise above the insult.
Best of Luck,
Natalie Robinson Garfield

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