US EditionDear Annie: I’m so tired of my sister trying to one-up me on everything
Advice columnist Annie Lane suggests neutral responses to manage conversations with a sibling who consistently dominates discussions, preserving family harmony without conflict.
- A reader wrote to Dear Annie describing a sister who "always has to top everyone's story," seeking help because visits leave them "feeling small" and wanting to avoid a fight.
- Across topics the sister consistently responds by one‑upping workplace compliments with a big promotion she got years ago and escalating health complaints from a cold to pneumonia.
- Family gatherings have become exhausting because conversations revert to the writer's sister's achievements or hardships, and the letter writer repeatedly leaves visits feeling small and reluctant to start conflict.
- Annie Lane, advice columnist , advises stepping out of the competitive exchange and using short neutral replies like `Good for you` to deflect one‑ups and protect the letter writer's energy.
- The columnist emphasizes boundary setting by noting the writer can't change the sister's habits but can refuse to be her audience to protect well-being.
9 Articles
9 Articles
Dear Annie: My sister makes family gatherings all about her
Dear Annie: I love my sister dearly, but she’s one of those people who always has to top everyone’s story. If I mention I had a bad cold, she’ll say hers turned into pneumonia. If I get a compliment at work, she’ll mention a big promotion she got years ago. Family gatherings have become exhausting because every conversation somehow circles back to her achievements or hardships.
Dear Annie: I’m so tired of my sister trying to one-up me on everything
Dear Annie: I love my sister dearly, but she’s one of those people who always has to top everyone’s story. If I mention I had a bad cold, she’ll say hers turned into pneumonia. If I get a compliment at work, she’ll mention a big promotion she got years ago. Family gatherings have become exhausting because every conversation somehow circles back to her achievements or hardships.
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