The Vine: August 8, 2000
Sars,I have a younger sister, nineteen months younger. I won’t dance around this- she’s a giant BITCH. For seemingly no reason. I don’t know – she could have a good reason to act like the world’s biggest snot, but I doubt it. She’s melodramatic and acts as if the whole world revolves around her. Example: our father is a mechanic, and she doesn’t have the most stellar driving record. In fact, she’s on her third car in a year and a half. Said car needs a few repairs, and my father fixes these things for us as long as we pay for the parts. He also has several paying customers as well as a company to run. But does my sister take this into consideration? Nope. She throws a fit, demanding to know why her car isn’t ready and she expects certain blah blah blah bitchcakes. She then takes it out on me. Which almost brings me to my question.
In the past year she has become more and more of a pain in the ass. She alternates between being an ass and asking me to do things for her. She swears up and down she wants to see me and spend time with me, but when I make the time, she’s nowhere to be found. She puts on this huge air of false maturity and is extremely judgmental. She also has this “theory” that no one really has possessions, just things that exist with them. That’s a direct quote. However, this “theory” doesn’t apply to her things. She has just recently graduated from high school and acts as though she was the first person to so. I guess what I want to ask is how can I handle this? Everyone close to me thinks I shouldn’t put up with her crap because after all, she is my younger sister. I don’t normally take anyone’s crap, but for some reason all I do is cry. Not where she can see me of course. Also, I would like to ask you what you would do, although I might not be able to pull it off, I will try.
Thank you,
The Oldest Sister
Dear Oldest,
Your sister’s bratty behavior gets on your nerves and hurts your feelings. Tell her so. Recent high-school graduates can get really wrapped up in their own shit, and it’s time for you to snap her out of it. If you feel she’s behaved badly and taken advantage of you, speak up and let her know that you’re done cutting her slack.
Even if talking it over with her doesn’t work, your sister can’t treat you like crap if you don’t let her. The next time she acts up, inform her that pitching a hissy won’t win her any points with you and leave the room. The next time she wants you do something for her, ask her what you get in return; if she answers, “Nothing,” tell her to get bent. The next time she starts acting lofty, roll your eyes and pick up a magazine.
It sounds like you want to let her know that her beeyatchy behavior has consequences, so if that’s the case, just don’t deal with her beyond small talk until she figures out that she’s alienated you.
Tags: the fam
