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Old 02-04-2005, 03:27 PM   #39 (permalink)
Supple Cow
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Location: Washington, D.C.
Quote:
Originally Posted by la petite moi
Also, I don't like doing things with her. She is VERY different from me- is obsessed with clothes and makeup, goes out with at least a dozen guys in a year's time, and has TOTALLY opposite music taste.

My parents have given up on trying to watch her while she's doing her homework. Frankly, I don't have the time/want to try to get her to sit down either (which she probably wouldn't be willing and would just end up cussing me out).
Speaking from personal experience, being a kid and having an older sibling who doesn't like doing things with you is the same thing as having an older sibling who doesn't like you. It sucks and it makes you hate them forever... or until you've successfully completed years of therapy, whichever comes first. Basically, what I'm saying is that it is probably quite transparent to her that you don't like being around her and it certainly doesn't sound like anybody else in your family is giving her the kind of attention that a talented (and maybe a little misguided) teenage girl needs - as evinced by her constantly seeking affection from men (not boys). I'm not saying anything is your fault or that this doesn't suck for you, but the situation isn't exactly roses and pats on the back for the kid either.

My view is that Charlatan is right in that you are NOT her parent. You can't tell her what she should do with her life (nor SHOULD you). It also isn't fair to you as the only person in your family who realizes that something needs to change for her to have to bear the entire responsibility. What you can do, if you choose to do anything at all, is be her sister. If you're going to try to get her to realize that you understand her situation sucks and that you're not trying to control her life (which is the message I would suggest conveying to her), then do it genuinely. Sure, she may distrust you and curse at you the first few times, but I can almost guarantee that all she ultimately wants from you is your affection. There's nothing worse you can do than try to "help" her by spending time with her and giving her advice (or worse yet, orders) when you are visibly unhappy about being in her presence.
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