Dear Abby: Sister is worried about inadvertent voicemail left on her phone revealing couple’s fight

Greetings, Abby My brother just left me a message recording a conversation he was having with his wife. During this talk, it was evident that he was unaware that he had inadvertently called my phone. After two minutes of an altercation, there was a gap in the conversation, and he hung up.

I am startled by my sister-in-law’s actions during this chat and the way she handles my brother, so I haven’t brought it up with him yet. Although I’ve known for some time that she assigns responsibility to others for circumstances in which she should take some of the credit, I had never heard her speak in private until this voicemail.

Even though we haven’t discussed it, my brother must be aware of those two minutes live on my phone. I’d like to speak with him and let him know that I heard her. She sounds unappreciative of all the effort he puts in at work in their one-income home with two kids, and I would like him to know that I hope she treats him with respect. What should I do about this? HEARING IN CALIFORNIA

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DEAR OVERHEARD: Tell your brother that you partially videotaped the altercation between him and his wife on your phone. Then, if both of them are open to it, let him know that you don’t mean to pry but that you believe he and his wife would benefit from marital counseling. (Even if his wife says no, I hope he will listen and attend several sessions.)

Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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