Dear Prudie,
A close cousin has recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and it has turned him into a complete bully. Family members, cashiers, wait staff—no one is immune. He expects better, faster, and more from everyone and has even announced loudly in public that he could be dead from this disease soon and we will all feel awful that we didn't treat him better. To make matters worse, he is completely insensitive to the troubles of others, either reminding them that he is dying or one-upping their issues with one of his own. We're a close family and I'm retired so I've agreed to drive this cousin around, take him to appointments, get his meals, etc. But I'm so embarrassed by his complete lack of grace that I dread each day with him. At the same time, I'm feeling guilty because his days really are numbered. Am I awful? Is there anything I can say to him?