Category : Blogs

Sub Category : Miscellaneous

Most people have that relative.  You know the one.  The superior one.  The one with all of the answers and is  trying desperately to project the image of a "perfect" life.  If you can't think of a relative fitting that description then I envy you. So let me tell you about mine.  I have an Aunt that, until the age of 35, lead a rather chaotic life.  Drinking, drugs, and men were the focal points.  Then she found Jesus and turned her life around completely.  She married well, mended relationships with family, and thus began a new life.  While that is commendable, sometimes it can be rather irritating.  If you're like me, having your life choices constantly questioned, judged, or outright condemned can bring out some feelings.  For example: feeling like that person believes you to be beneath them, embarrassment, or inadequacy.  Sure, you nod and smile (meanwhile you are wondering if you have the ability to throw a throat punch with Sylvester Stallone's strength and Bruce Lee's speed).  After all, family is family.  However, at some point, enough is enough. I have reached that point.  Unlucky for me, I detest confrontation.  However, I think in the coming months I will develop a knack for it.  I'm 36 years old and have gone through trials and tribulations as we all do.  But as I look at my life now, I realize I'm happy.  Her constant judgement is more projection than anything.  So it's time for boundaries.  To break this to her will probably require construction paper, safety scissors and crayons as she is not familiar with boundaries.  If you look at your life and you feel happy about your situation, don't allow people to take that from you.  Figure out which topics are up for discussion and which ones are off limits.  It has taken me this long in life to realize I don't need anyone else's approval (with the exception of God if you believe). We all make mistakes but they don't define us.  I've made my fair share.  I often picture myself getting to the Pearly Gates and when it is time to go over my sins they are going to open a scroll, it will fall to the floor, then roll 2 miles.  But that is for me and my higher power.  So, in some twisted way, my aunt has helped me.  Not in the way she intended but by forcing me to take a look at myself and by doing that I realize I'm a pretty good guy.  So, with my head up, I will assert my feelings and be heard.  I won't be made to feel like I'm a lesser person. After rereading the last 2 sentences I feel like I fell out of some terrible after school special.  But hey, it's a good point.  Be who you are and do what you do.  You get one life so don't let people piss all over it.
Well, I got to vent and it was a hell of a lot cheaper than therapy.