Argumentative, Abusive Brother Alienates Family
Dear Abby | December 4th, 2025 | Letter 1 of 3
DEAR ABBY: I have a brother who is very opinionated and in my face any time I don't agree with him. It doesn't matter what the subject is; he thinks he's the only one who knows anything about it. He is not educated, but he thinks he's smarter than everyone else, even educated people. He won't let me get a word in while he's yelling and screaming in my face. He resorts to name-calling, telling me I'm wrong and calling me stupid. Later, he sends emails and texts trying to prove to me why I am wrong. I think he is abusive and has a mental disorder. He has accomplished nothing in his life. My husband and I have careers. If I try to remain quiet around my brother, he starts aggravating me to get a reaction. He has alienated my family. No one wants to be around him. What's the best way to shut him down to make whatever time we have to spend together more civil? -- SMART SIS IN MISSISSIPPI.
DEAR SIS: No magic formula will shut down your abusive, immature and possibly mentally ill brother. Accept the fact that you can't change him, and save your sanity by avoiding him as often as possible.
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