I am one out of four girls in my family. If I were to paint you a picture on what life is like with sisters you would probably have Picasso's version of the Scream. One of the things that really boils my blood is how much entitlement there is when it comes to having sisters who are much older than you are. We are all very separate in age, which makes it a little harder to understand each other. Respect is one of the things we do not agree on. It is obvious to respect your elders but would't the same apply to a young adult?
From a very young age I learned about manners. I don't think twice about greeting people as they walk in, because it comes naturally to me. However there are some people who believe that they are entitled to that greeting, even when they have mouth and can say it too. Respect doesn't have expectations. It's either you have it or you don't. Old habits may die hard but it's time to recognize that respect is a universal consideration.
In families there are always issues that can haunt the relationships you build around them. In my case its an ongoing battle of who is right and who is wrong, and how respect is a one way street. I could be 40 years old, married, with kids and this feud would still exist.
So how does one move past this? Although there are different alternatives to solving family issues, I chose to distance myself. Every time things are okay again, there is a ticking bomb in the bottom of my stomach waiting to burst. I can't have a conversation without feeling like I am saying something wrong. I always think "maybe I shouldn't say this, it might hit the wrong button." However if you ever feel like you have to hold your tongue, let go of it and say what you want. In the end of the day you are staying true to what you believe is right, and no one can take that away from you. The sad truth about my sisters is that we can go on with our lives, and until the day something happens to our parents that will be the day that we unite. Unity should not come from emergency. It should sprout from respect, understanding, and maturity.
Respect is not based on age. My mother taught me to respect those who respect me, to always greet people as you walk in, and to say "excuse me." I wish that message got around to them, maybe we wouldn't be so distant. If it was possible to see that we are both at fault for how we argue, then maybe we could come to an agreement. It's not about being right, its about forgiveness and moving on. You deserve as much respect as the next person. Stay True to You.
