Advice: Freak-a-leek

Dear Margo,

My brother, 12 years my senior, has been married to a rather mousy woman for quite some time. They were married when I was 14, and she was wary of "children," so we have never been close. My sister and I, however, have a great relationship, and our brother wishes us to include our s-i-l now that we are old enough to have "adult" conversations. So, during our last visit, my sister and I tried to make her feel like she was "one of the girls."

I think, however, that our gesture was misinterpreted. Today, my sister and I each received a mass e-mail (eight recipients) from my s-i-l, asking us very personal questions, such as "Do you enjoy anal sex?" and "How frequently do you engage in it?" In the e-mail, she remarked that she was just asking to make sure she was "normal," although she didn't state what she thought normal was. She also promised not to share the information with anyone but my brother.

Needless to say, I was mortified, as was my sister. I'm not sure how to address this behavior. I'm pretty sure my brother was not aware of this e-mail, and if he found out, he would be livid and incredibly embarrassed. Should I confront her about it or just pretend it didn't happen?

--Startled

Dear Startled,

I am creeped out thinking about your rodent-like relative and pity you and your brother. Your sister-in-law sounds like a woman who either has very few friends and really doesn't know if she is normal, or is trying to connect with you in a way she thinks you might respond well to (although it sounds like she is mistaken).

In some circles, such conversation would be normal. However, this takes into account that these types of friends have normally been close for years, and usually aren't fucking eachother's siblings. But at least she is giving you the reassurance that she'll only be telling your brother about this.

As there were eight recipients, you should be fine not responding. Maybe some lube and a nice card for her birthday though.

Signed,
Prim & Propper