时差N小时 被公婆排挤

Dear Annie:

亲爱的安妮：

My husband's parents come to town every so often, but they never give us information about their schedule. They do, however, contact other family members. My husband thinks it's because they don't like me, but I have asked them directly¹ and they insist they love us both.

我的公公婆婆经常来到镇上，但他们从来不通知我们。不过，他们会联系其他的亲戚。我丈夫认为这是因为他们不喜欢我，但我直接问过他们，他们坚称很爱我们。

The last time the in-laws were in town, we popped in where they were staying and took food and gifts. They were friendly enough, but they never said thanks for the gifts we brought. The next day, we stayed close to home in case they called, but they never did. However, they managed to see other family members.

上次我的公公婆婆来镇上，我们突然出现在他们的住处，并给他们带去食物和礼物。他们对我足够客气，但从来不为我们买的礼物表示感谢。第二天，我们会待在家附近，以防他们打电话过来，但他们从来没打过。不论怎样，他们去见过其他亲戚。

This happens every time they visit and I'm sick of it. My husband always takes their side and says they are just busy. Frankly², the only time we hear from the in-laws is when they need something. I am feeling more resentful as time goes by. What do you suggest? － All Alone Here

每次他们来都是这样，我厌倦了这一切。我丈夫总是站在他们那边，说他们很忙。坦白讲，我们唯一一次接到他们的电话，是因为他们有事需要帮忙。随着时光的流逝，我越来越感到愤恨。你有什么建议吗？——独自一人

Dear All Alone: You need to step back from your involvement. When you next hear your in-laws are coming, tell them they are welcome anytime, but don't change your schedule. If they want your company, they will call or e-mail. If your husband becomes upset, be sympathetic³, but don't place blame. Expect nothing and you'll be less disappointed⁴.

亲爱的独自一人：你需要退一步考虑自己的参与度。当下次你听说公公婆婆要来时，告诉他们你随时欢迎他们来家里，但不要改变你的行程。如果他们想要你的陪伴，他们会打电话或者发邮件告诉你。如果你的丈夫对此感到沮丧，要同情他的感受，但不要加以责怪。因为期望越少，失望越少。

1 directly   

adv.直接地，径直地；马上，立即

参考例句：

• I will telephone you directly I hear the news.我一听到消息，马上打电话给你。
• She answered me very directly and openly.她非常坦率地、开门见山地答复了我。

2 frankly   

adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说

参考例句：

• To speak frankly, I don't like the idea at all.老实说，我一点也不赞成这个主意。
• Frankly speaking, I'm not opposed to reform.坦率地说，我不反对改革。

3 sympathetic   

adj.有同情心的；表示好感或赞同的

参考例句：

• He is a sympathetic person.他是一个有同情心的人。
• They were quite sympathetic to our proposals.他们很赞同我们的建议。

4 disappointed   

adj.失望的，不满意的，不如意的

参考例句：

• He seemed disappointed when the man refused his request.当那个人拒绝了他的要求时他看起来很失望。
• He was disappointed so often that he became hopeless.他屡次失望，以致变为了绝望。