Baby blues

Dear Dr. Sadie,

My problem is a little strange. I have a little brother. I love him a lot, but I can never understand a word he says. He seems to communicate in a series of grunts, squeaks and screams. Occasionally he'll point to things that he wants and expect people to get them for him.

This wouldn't be such a problem, but my brother is 35 years old, not 6 months old. He doesn't have any developmental problems. I think he's just lazy. What should I do?

- Older Sister

Maybe you could try to understand. I have a little brother, too. He's 14 month old, and he grunts like this too. I try to understand him. It's really hard work. I never really understand him, though.

I think you should say, "stop being so lazy and talk." Then he would talk.

Not to seem ungrateful, but ....

Dear Dr Sadie,

What should I do if I don't really like a gift someone gave me? I don't want to be ungrateful but I also don't want to lie.

- It's really ugly

Hmmm. You could say to the person, "thank you, but I don't really want this." Then they would feel very sorry.

Maybe you could bring it back to the store, but not tell the person who gave it to you that you don't like it.