Dear Diary,

What does a person do when they don’t get along with members of their own family?

I have two family members with whom I’d rather hide from, than spend time with. My mother and a brother. Is that sad? Is that normal? I haven’t spoken to my mother in a couple of months. I haven’t seen my brother all summer, though I’ve spoken to him a few times – reluctantly. Today, he is returning home from his summer-long job. I am not pleased that he is returning, nor am I pleased with myself for feeling this way.

Now that my brother will be home, and living only a few houses away from me (with my mother), he will start pressuring me (again) to speak to/visit my mother. It’s hard enough for me to even allow my brother into my home, let alone listen to his lectures.

I feel that I’m a very good, fair, caring, loving person. BUT. Where, and when, does a person draw the line? And because it’s family, is it bad when there’s a line drawn? I am not good around people with negative energy, or negative attitudes, and this is just one of the reasons I prefer to run and hide from my mother and brother. They are extremely draining, which I don’t like.

What does one do in this situation? I have, indeed, spoken with both of them and they do know how I feel. Both are oblivious to my discomfort, not to mention my feelings. Yet they still keep trying to talk with me. I don’t get it. How many times do I need to say “leave me alone,” for them to actually leave me alone?

I’ve tried and tried to see the lesson here, to see what it is I’m to learn, but I just don’t see it. Turning the other cheek is not it, believe me. Ah well, maybe time will tell and it’ll all come to me in some wonderous, light-filled moment of awareness. At least, that’s what I pray for.

For now, my brother will be showing up here at my house soon (I feel it). So, I am off to find some Sage. he he he Thanks for hearing me out and listening to my rant! ;)