Asking Eric: Sister with chaotic past wants to attend my son’s wedding

Dear Eric: I’m conflicted about whether or not to invite my sister to my son’s wedding.

My sister and I have never been close. She was never very kind to, nor interested in, my son, my husband or me. We’ve had entire decades of silence while she lived a relatively chaotic life. She’s divorced, estranged from her adult children and her son didn’t invite her to his own wedding.

She has recently accepted that she’s suffering from a lifetime of mental illness. I’m back in her life as a supporter of it all, and intensely proud of her path. I mentioned to her that my son is getting married. I now regret letting my excitement lead to sharing the news.

She’s started to text me with opinions about wedding details. Down to how the bride should wear her hair. She’s critical of my son’s and fiance