I’m tired of my sister always nagging me. The topic always changes depending what week it is, but the subject stays the same — me. I can’t seem to do anything right in her eyes, I’m never wearing the right outfits, not holding the proper posture; basically not good enough. I’ve told her numerous times how she makes me feel, but she continues to say hurtful things to me. It’s to the point that I don’t want to hang around her any more. I don’t know what else to do. Family is a big part of who I am, I don’t want to shut her out or worse, never see my Family because she’s there.
Sister Issues

Dear Sister,
There’s nothing more annoying than a nagging Family member. Sometimes (only once in a full moon) I’m glad I live so far away from my Family. But as you said, Family is important. Without them, who would we be?

If you’ve told her numerous times about how she makes you feel, why hasn’t she caught on? How exactly do you tell her? Do you seem as if you’re playing with her? Or are you telling her straight forward? Does it sound like you’re just saying something to shut her up? Or are you taking the time to explain yourself to her? Has anyone else noticed the negativity she sends your way? The next question is, is she listening?

The first thing to know about communication, is that it takes two events to happen. You have to have a sender and a receiver. If the sender sends an unclear message and the receiver doesn’t comprehend, the communication has broken down. If the sender gives a clear message, and the receiver listens, understands and then sends a message back … you’ve achieved communication.

What I’m saying is, don’t give up. Keep telling her how it makes you feel. Ask other Family members to bring it up in casual conversation to reiterate your feelings. You shouldn’t have to worry about the next Family event because your sister is there. Siblings are supposed to be there for you though thick and thin. If you accept the way you are and are happy with yourself, tell her exactly that. Tell her that you accept how she is and love her for that; and you expect the same from her.

Good luck!

(Editor’s note: Sharilyn Wells really doesn’t know much about anything, but she’ll definitely share her opinion with you whenever needed. To get a ‘straight up’ opinion to your countless issues, email paraglidebragg@gmail.com.)