KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR | Annie's Mailbox She wants to stay home for Christmas

Dear Annie: My husband is in the United States Marine Corps and is overseas on a six-month deployment. "Keith" is planning to return a few days before Christmas. Keith's family lives in another state, and they expect us to spend the holidays with them.
My son will have been separated from his father for six months, and I miss my husband desperately. I do not want to travel in order to be with my in-laws. I want to have time to ourselves so we can get reacquainted with one another.
We see Keith's family twice a year, so it isn't as if they miss him any more than usual. I think they are being selfish to expect us to visit them. My sister-in-law says I need to "share him." As his wife, I think I am entitled to my own time first. Am I wrong? Oceanside, Calif.
Dear Oceanside: It's understandable that you would like time alone with your husband and son before going on a family trip to see the relatives. However, since you only see them twice a year, they no doubt look forward to these visits.
Talk to your in-laws, and explain the problem. Ask if it would be OK to see them after the new year, when life has settled down a bit. If possible, try to extend your visit so the folks have a little more time with their son. That might placate them and solve the problem. We'll keep our fingers crossed.
Dear Annie: I am a truck driver, and it bothers me to no end what stupid things other drivers will do to get around me. You can't pull in front of an 80,000-pound truck and slam on the brakes without expecting to get hit. In some cases, it takes the length of a football field for a truck to stop.
Also, some drivers put their bright lights on when they are behind us and then wonder why we start weaving all over. It's because our rear view mirrors are aimed down so we can see the cars. When a person put his brights on, it blinds us.
Yes, I know trucks are slow, but one little mistake could cost a life. We do this job seven days a week, and we don't like getting stuck in traffic, either. Please, folks, have some consideration. J.M. in Live Oak, Fla.
Dear J.M.: People dislike driving behind trucks because they cannot see what is going on farther down the road. However, drivers should understand that cutting in front of a truck is reckless and dangerous. Thank you for pointing it out.
Dear Annie: I have been married to my husband for 10 years, and we live next door to his brother "Jacob." Jacob and his wife have several parties during the summer, and they rarely invite us, even though we always invite them to our gatherings, no matter how big or small.
We have never had any type of falling out or disagreement with Jacob or his wife. I'd like to ask them if there is some kind of problem, but my husband says this may "start something." I find their actions hurtful. What do you recommend I do? Too Sensitive in Delaware
Dear Delaware: Jacob and his wife are not obligated to invite you to every party they have simply because you are related and you live nearby. The same rule applies to you as well. Undoubtedly, they have friends or business associates that they prefer to entertain separately from family. Since they do invite you now and then, try not to take it personally. No matter how fond of you they are, too much togetherness can be a problem.
XE-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@tbi.com, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, Ill. 60611.
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