DEAR AMY: Growing up, I helped clear tables, wash dishes, etc. I have a lot of nieces, nephews and friends' kids who are in high school and college. Each is a good person, but these kids don't clear tables, offer to wash dishes or even load a dishwasher. During the holidays, I asked them to "take a shift." They just laughed. Am I destined to spend my later years washing up with those of my own generation?Up to My Elbows

DEAR ELBOWS: I agree with you that it seems many of the "mini-me" generation don't seem able to lift a finger around the house. I assume this is because when they were growing up, household chores interfered with their travel team soccer schedule or marathon sessions playing "Grand Theft Auto."

Also realize many kids have never dined around a table because they spent the bulk of their childhood dinner times in the backseat of a minivan, shuttling between violin lessons and therapy appointments. Give the young people in your life a chance to step up to the dinner plate by supervising a group clean-up session. Tell them no dessert or video games until they help.

DEAR AMY: Two friends are going to ask me to be a bridesmaid when they get engaged. I value their friendship, but I think their marriage would be a mistake. They fight frequently and insult each other. They are also affectionate, but the fighting seems to outweigh the love and kindness. I don't think they comprehend that a wedding isn't about one day but the next 60 years they'll spend together. I find it hard to imagine standing up in support of a marriage that I think is a bad idea. If I decline, should I give the real reason, or tell a lie?Always a Bridesmaid

DEAR BRIDESMAID: You aren't ordained to render a judgment on who should marry. Many couples that fight are annoying and inappropriate, but devoted to each other. I agree that you shouldn't be part of a wedding party for a marriage that you don't "believe in." If you want to end the friendship, then give these two the unvarnished version behind your decision, but realize that these people will get married, even if you don't stand up with them - and even if their marriage doesn't have a prayer of making the 60-year mark.

Will Grayson Meak faceoff against Devin Downes in counties? Meanwhile North Babylon’s Jasmine McKay hoops it up and there's history on the mat in Nassau County in Episode 2 of "Sarra Sounds Off."  Credit: Mario Gonzalez

 SARRA SOUNDS OFF: Wrestling, North Babylon hoops and more! Will Grayson Meak faceoff against Devin Downes in counties? Meanwhile North Babylon's Jasmine McKay hoops it up and there's history on the mat in Nassau County in Episode 2 of "Sarra Sounds Off." 

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