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Spreading time around

Dear Annie: I have four cousins, whom I love a lot. There’s “Piper,” the eldest at 10, with whom I connect on a social and BFF level. The second-eldest, 8-year-old “Wes,” loves to play video games with me, as well as trade Pokemon cards. Then there’s “Ellie,” 7, who likes to bring out my fun and imaginative side. “Evelyn,” 6, is the adorable little munchkin whom I love as if she were my baby sister.

All of them are awesome, but lately, my cousins have been fighting over me. I used to spend a lot of time with Piper because she’s relatable, but then I realized I was barely giving time to anyone else. So I started spending more time with Wes, Ellie and Evelyn. But it’s starting to get harder and harder to spend time with every single one. Someone is always getting angry with another for taking me away. I really do love them all. I just wish there were a way that I could spend time with them all at once. What do I do? — Troubled Cousin

Dear Troubled Cousin: You listed a series of interests that each has. My suggestion is to take each one out individually for a fun day with you, doing some activity in which you can devote 100 percent of your attention to the cousin. After each cousin has had your undivided attention, it will be much easier to gather as a group, and it should make the get-togethers more enjoyable.

You must be a very special person to have all clamoring for attention. It is not surprising that when you describe the cousins, you talk about their interests and what makes them special. No wonder they love you so much!

(Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. This column is syndicated by Creators Syndicate columnists. Visit the website at www.creators.com.)

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